Norman "Barney" Barnard

Norman “Barney” Barnard

World War II veteran, Norman "Barney" Barnard met his Savior at 104 years old on March 10th, 2023. He was born on Christmas day of 1918 in the Chief Van house, Chatsworth Georgia. At the time of his birth, the house was owned by his maternal grandparents, Jim and Lucy Sellers. After a move to Hayesville, North Carolina, he moved at the age of six with his parents to Cleveland, Tennessee.

At 24 years old Norman began training with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in the 434th Squadron of the 320th bomb group, the "Boomerangs". His Bomb Group was among the most decorated of WW II. He was a flight engineer and crew chief on B-26 airplanes in the Mediterranean theater.

After WW II ended, he returned home to marry his sweetheart, Louise. After returning from the war, Barney worked as a mechanic at Callaway Motor Company for 17 years before going to work with Olin chemicals in maintenance when the plant opened in the early 1960s. He retired from Olin Chemical Company after 20 years.

He was the last surviving charter member of North Cleveland Baptist church where he faithfully served in various leadership roles such as deacon and Sunday School teacher of young boys.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents, A.J. and Edith Sellers Barnard; wife, Louise Cawood Barnard; brothers Edgar Barnard, Jack Barnard, Joe Barnard and sister, Inez Bush; son-in-law, Randall Melton; brother-in-laws, T.J. Cawood, Roy Cawood, Wayne Cawood, Taylor Cawood; sister-in-laws, Gladys Haney, Juanita Cawood.

He is survived by his daughter, Norma Melton; grandchildren, Emily Wheeler (Joe), Mark Melton; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Tyler, Stefan; step grandchildren, Jeremy (Lauren), Clarissa (Ray); step great-grandchildren Madeline, Hailey, Henry; special family friend, Ariel McFadden; several beloved nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the loving care given to Barney for 5 years at Garden Plaza, Cleveland and grateful to Avail Senior Living, Cleveland for the loving care given during the last few weeks.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm. at North Cleveland Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm. With Dr. Jay McCluskey and Rev. Michael Cawood officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Cleveland Baptist Church, 2815 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, Tennessee 37312. www.northclevelandbaptist.org

Visit www.fikefh.com to share condolences and memories.

Arrangements entrusted to Fike Randolph & Son Funeral Home of Cleveland, TN.