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BORN
1929
DIED
2015
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William Barley Obituary
Chesapeake - William "Bill" Preston Barley, 86, of the Deep Creek Community, went home to be with his Lord on June 30, 2015. Born in Buchanan, VA on January 24, 1929, he was preceded in death by his parents, Olin V. and Ann Camper Barley; and his wife of 64 years, Merle Culpepper Barley. Bill was a 1947 graduate of Harrisonburg High School and a 1951 graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. He was band director for 30 years in North Hampton County, the City of Hampton, and retired from the City of Portsmouth Schools. He was a long time member of Deep Creek Baptist Church, choir director there for several years, and a member of the Ed Cuthriell Bible Class. During school vacations and upon retirement, Bill worked the family farm on what is now known as Culpepper Landing.
He is survived by two sons, William Vernon Barley and wife Sarah, and James Preston Barley; three grandsons, Preston Ross Barley and partner Andrea Quidley, Waylon Vernon Barley and wife Carrie, and James Brett Barley and wife Casey; two great-granddaughters, Laya and Malia; one great-grandson Masen, all of Buxton, NC on Hatteras Island; sister, Beverly Ann Cronebaugh and husband Charles of Apopka, FL; sister-in-law, Betty Sue Spencer and husband Harvey of Deep Creek; and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to acknowledge Debbie and Paul Wing of Great Bridge, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Langley, Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Lankford, and Lorraine Davis of Deep Creek for their unwavering love, help and support. A special thank you to Kathleen O'Brien, our Godsent hospice nurse from Kindred at Home.
Bill held his family as close as his faith and was a part-time resident of Avon and Buxton for over 40 years. He and Merle attended and supported the Cape Hatteras Baptist Church and were avid supporters and members of the Cape Hatteras High School Booster Club. They attended countless sporting events in which their grandchildren participated. He especially loved spending time with his family on the island.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 3, at 12 noon at Deep Creek Baptist Church, 250 Mill Creek Pkwy., Chesapeake. Family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Culpepper Family Cemetery, 3300 block of Old Mill Road, Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Haven Children's Home, 3000 North Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel is handling arrangements. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for William Barley
Sponsored by the family.
John Lloyd
July 7, 2015
Mr. Barley was an inspirational leader who motivated all to be their best. The never-to-be equaled results he achieved with the Cradock High School Band are testament to his dedication and success. Thank you, Mr. Barley, for giving so much of yourself.
Leonard Giles
July 7, 2015
Mr. Barley was my High School Band Director at Cradock HS in Portsmouth, VA. He was one of three very important individuals who taught me the love of music, personal pride and respect for my mentors. I have been able to have a successful career as a music educator due in part to his wisdom and teachings. I am and will be forever grateful for having been one of his pupils.
Leonard A. Giles
Assistant Professor of Music
Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley, GA
Bill was Best Man in sons wedding 2013
July 4, 2015
Merle, Bill, and Grandson Preston
July 4, 2015
Happy man in Buxton
July 4, 2015
Deb Tidmore
July 3, 2015
Much Love, hugs and deep felt appreciation to the Barley family. High School was wonderful with the music Bill inspired all of us with at assemblies and football games. My sister was in the Marching Band and was 1st chair clarinet. She absolutely LOVED Mr. Barley and he inspired her to do her best. With much understanding, my Dad passed April 20th. My Dad was a song leader at church. Well, now they can have the best in music and singing going on up there. Bill and my Dad, Charlie will be sorely missed by all. May God comfort you in knowing they knew Jesus and now He has hugged them both and said "Well done my son", "Welcome Home". In respect and much admiration, love and peace to the Barley family. My heart cries as there's less music here now but Thank You God for lending him to us for his time. <3
Valgrace Wright
July 3, 2015
I played the flute in Mr. Barley's 7th and 8th grade band at Waters Junior High School. He taught me everything there was to know about jazz and pop music. He was one of the best music teachers that I ever had. Because of him, I am continuing on in my music. I will remember you always Mr. Barley. I am now playing in a jazz ensemble. Everything I knew about jazz music I learned from this man who is an entrepreneur in music. I am so glad I got the opportunity to talk with him before he passed away. I will truly miss him. My condolences to the family. God bless you all.
Emmanuel Barks
July 3, 2015
I played trombone under Mr. Barley when he was my band director at Waters Junior High (now Middle) School . He has contributed so much to my life.
Sally Abbott
July 3, 2015
In the CHS drill team under Mr. Barley. A wonderful and gifted man who touched so many lives in his career. Rest in Peace and know that you are in our hearts.
July 2, 2015
I had a wonderful experience being In the drill team under your leadership. You will be missed.
Jan Crutcher Perry CHS Class of 1975
Sandy Renslow
July 2, 2015
R.I.P. Mr Barley. You will be missed by many. A Cradock Admiral and a Lawrence Pharmacy employee
LeAnna Jepson
July 2, 2015
You will be missed by so many. A gifted teacher and wonderful man.
LeAnna Jepson
July 2, 2015
Itbisbsaid that if you are lucky you get one special teacher in your lifetime. Well I was so very lucky to have Mr. Barley. He gave me a love of music but his lessons went beyond that to work as a team to be the best we could be at CHS. He taught me the only failure is not trying and live life on your terms but remember to occasionally take that left hand turn just to see what is there. Thank you Billy and Jimmy for sharing him with all is us. He was terrifican and a truly gifted teacher. Now at home in the heavens with the love of his life.
Susie Rudy Lindahl (CHS 73)
July 2, 2015
As a graduate of Cradock High School, I'll never forget Mr. Barley! He was one of the sweetest and kindest people I've ever met and that had a great impact on me during my high school years. My heartfelt condolences to his family!
Mary Kidd Flemming
July 2, 2015
Rest in peace Mr. Barley. Thank-you for your dedication to music education in Portsmouth, VA. My condolences to your family.
July 2, 2015
RIP Mr. Barley, He was a inspiration to the music world at Cradock High. I learned so very much from him. Great music teacher and very kind. He will surly be missed by family and friends. My prayers go out the all who knew him for there peace in knowing he is in a wonderful place and you will see him there one day.
Pauline Sitterson
July 2, 2015
To the family of Mr. B. He was admired so well by his students at Cradock High School. I worked in his office sorting music, preparing it for his classes, etc. He was always such a nice man. It was great fun at the football games and other events that he and the CHS band had the honor of being in. So many memories! We can't thank his wife and family for sharing him with the CHS student body for so long. We will miss him terribly!! Now he is in heaven by his wife's side and directing some beautiful music! Thank you so much for being a part of my life and for making CHS a better place to be. Once an Admiral always an Admiral!!! May the good Lord wrap his arms around all of you, give you strength, comfort and peace!! Amen!! You will always feel his love surrounding you! RIP, Mr. B!
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