Obituary of Richard G. Barkley

Richard Gilbert Barkley, 88, husband of Dorothy Geddings Barkley, died Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at his home. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Richard Sanders Barkley and Euline Osteen Barkley. Mr. Barkley was a lifelong member and faithful servant of Bethel Baptist Church. He was a retired professional dog trainer, poultry grower and farmer. He was also a member of the American Field Trial Association, American Legion Post 15, and was a U. S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Surviving are his wife of Sumter; two sons, Ricky Barkley (Jennie) and Mike Barkley (Donna) all of Sumter; four daughters, Sandra Hogan (Joey) of Spartanburg, Susan Eleazer (Hal) of Chesnee, Lynn Barkley (Tom) and Beverly Owens all of Sumter; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sarah Barkley and Evelyn Avin; a brother-in-law, Bobby Ward; two granddaughters; and one great-grandson. Funeral services will be held at 4 P.M. Saturday at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Fraser officiating. Burial will be in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Friday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 2401 Bethel Church Road, Sumter, SC 29154. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.