Hillard R. Barkley, 97, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday morning, having led a life well lived. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Violet Taylor Barkley; son, JR Barkley (Hillard Jr); parents, Hattie Mae and Richard Barkley; brothers, Richard, Robert and Jay; and sister, Elizabeth. He is survived by his son, Terry Barkley; daughter, Betty ‘BJ’ Fawley; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Barkley (JR); grandsons, Jeremy and Jonathan Barkley, and Zachary Fawley, (Vanessa); and great-grandchildren, Jack, Natalie, Violet and Lucy Jane Fawley.
Growing up in the depression years without a father, who died when he was two, was hard but Dad managed to work to support his family, play semi-pro baseball and ultimately serve his country meritoriously in both WWII and Korea. Electing to make the Army a career, he rose to the ranks of Major before retiring and then starting a second career with NASA in Personnel. Hillard will be remembered for being a truly good man, his terrific sense of humor and his love of life.
Friends and family are invited to attend graveside services at 10:00 am Tuesday, September 5, at Huntsville Memory Gardens.
