Billy JoeBarnard

            Billy Joe Barnard, 86, of Celeste, died Saturday, July 18, 2009 at his residence.  Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2009 at Coker-Mathews Chapel with Rev. Bill Eason and Rev. Susan Meadors officiating.  Burial will be in the Celeste Cemetery.

            Born in Celeste on November 19, 1922, he was the son of George Frank and Mildred Lee Puckett Barnard.  He Married Comer Moores Hooks in Texarkana on November 14, 1948.  He was a farmer/rancher, plant manager of Celeste Terra Fertilizer, the longtime director of the First Bank of Celeste and member of Celeste United Methodist Church.

            He is survived by is wife, Comer Moores Barnard of Celeste; son, Bob Barnard and wife Reba Graham Barnard of Celeste; son, Bill N. Barnard and wife Martha Sale Barnard of Cypress; grandchild, Chris Barnard and wife Candace of Greenville; grandchild Robbie Barnard of Celeste; and grandchild, John Mark Barnard and fiancé Julie Coker of Midland.

            He is preceded in death by his parents.

            Pallbearers include Chris Barnard, John Mark Barnard, Robbie Barnard, Harry Childress, Russell Compton and Ken Sumrow.  Honorary pallbearers include David Alderson, Felton Cash, Col. Rex Denny, Jimmy Felty, Col. Frank Hooks, Ronnie Lumpkins, Johnny Lyon, Dick Schroth, Frankie Thorp and Jimmy Williams.

            Visitation will be Sunday, July 19, 2009, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

            Memorials may be made to the Celeste United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.