Gus Barkley

Mr. Gus Herron Barkley, age 91, of Tallapoosa, GA, passed away September 30, 2024. He was born March 16, 1933, in Crandall, GA to the late John Eldridge and Ellie Breeden Barkley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Maggie Shell, Zettie Wester, and Ann Jacobs; and brothers, Johnny Barkley, Frank Barkley, and Keith Barkley.
Gus was the third eldest in a family of fourteen children. He was raised to understand that honest, hard work was an inevitable part of life, and he spent most of his time on earth doing just that. He grew up helping his mother and father on their family farm, which included gardening, feeding animals, and tending to younger siblings. At 18, he met his future wife, Ruby, and they were married shortly after on May 12, 1951. A few years later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. When he returned home from military service, Gus worked at Gates Rubber Company until he and Ruby moved to Georgia so that he could take a position with Associated Rubber Company in Tallapoosa. His last job before retirement was working as a custodian at West Haralson School. He had a servant's heart. He never failed to help his neighbors, family, or friends in times of need. He loved the Lord and faithfully served as a deacon of Bethany Baptist Church for 41 years. He was a man who adored his family. As each grandchild and great-grandchild was born, it seemed as if he instantly became their source of protection and comfort. It was like they knew he wouldn't let anyone or anything bring them harm. He is well known for his stubbornness regarding his beliefs and his talent for finding ways to pick on those he was fond of. He was a loving person who lived a beautiful yet simple life, and he did so in such a manner that no fancy words would be needed to "preach" his funeral. He has traded his earthly body for a heavenly one and left behind a legacy for his family-one of faith, love, and charity toward others.
He is survived by his devoted loving wife of 73 years, Ruby Croft Barkley, their children, Theresa and David Patterson, and Ricky and Terresa Barkley, all of Tallapoosa; grandchildren, Paul and Janie Barkley, Wayne Barkley, Anthony and Lora Barkley, Jennifer and Andy Johnson, and Adam and Jena Patterson; great-grandchildren, Lily Barkley, Preston Barkley, Britianna Barkley, Hunter Johnson, Logan Johnson, Sawyer Patterson, and Silas Patterson; sisters and brothers in law, Janie Robinson, of Wedowee, AL, Sara and Lamar Templeton, of Leesburg, AL and Jack Jacobs, of Rome, GA; brothers and sisters in law, Joe Barkley, of Albertville, AL, Jim and Dorene Barkley, of Lineville, AL, Robert and Sandra Barkley, of FL, Morris and Lynn Barkley, of S.C., Sue Barkley, of Ider, AL and Barbara Barkley of Tallapoosa; as well as a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Gus Barkley will be held, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM EST from Bethany Baptist Church with Dr. Mason Bush and Rev. Kevin Ayers officiating. Music will be provided by Brenda Agan, Theresa, Jennifer and his grandkids. Gentlemen serving as pallbearers will be Preston Barkley, Logan Johnson, Hunter Johnson, Anthony Barkley, Adam Patterson, Wayne Barkley, Paul Barkley, Sawyer Patterson, and Silas Patterson. Interment will follow in Bethany Church Cemetery.
His family will receive friends, Saturday, October 5th, at Bethany Baptist Church between the hours of 12:00 and 2:00 PM EST.