The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

Mr. Billy E. Barkley Sr. began his journey in this world on March 5, 1929, with his mother, Mary Jones Barkley, in Leary, Georgia. The youngest of five children, Billy grew up with his siblings, Phil Barkley, Coley “C.B.” Barkley, Maxine Riley, and Sara Barnett, in the same family home in which he was born.

Billy’s faith in God guided his love for his family, friends, and community. His daily prayer was that he might do something good for somebody every day. He lived that prayer through countless acts of kindness and through the warmth and care he extended to everyone he met.

As a young man, Billy left school after the eighth grade to work and help support his family. He was also a gifted baseball player and an exceptional pitcher known throughout the region for his curveball. He played in the Black sandlot leagues. His love for the game lasted throughout his life, and he remained a devoted New York Mets fan.

Billy proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War. He later worked as a skilled mason and machinist, including many years with Lilliston Manufacturing in Georgia.

In the early 1970s, Billy made Syracuse, New York, his home. As the city’s manufacturing industry changed, he began a new career in security and continued working well into his eighties. Billy took great pride in caring for others. He cleared snow from parked cars, greeted

everyone with a kind word, and made friends wherever he went. Throughout Syracuse, he became affectionately known as “Mr. Billy.”

Billy’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He delighted in sharing the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and extended family with anyone who would listen. His faith deepened with age, and he spent his days praying, listening to down-home worship music, and reciting his

favorite Scripture, the 23rd Psalm.

Billy was called to his eternal home on July 18, 2026, at the age of 97. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jones Barkley; his sisters, Maxine Riley and Sara Barnett; and his brothers, Phil Barkley and Coley “C.B.” Barkley.

He leaves behind a cherished, loving, and supportive blended family of children: Billy (Reba) Barkley Jr., Saralyn Barkley, Mary Barkley, Willie (Carolyn) Barkley, Cynthia Barkley Daniels, Timothy (Patrice) Barkley, Ola Phillips, Ron Williams, Chester (Jeannette) Williams, Emma

Williams Kirtley, Rufus Williams, David (Helen) Williams, and Robert Williams. He also leaves a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; his church family, neighbors, and friends; and his best friend, Worthy “Rabbit” Graham, to honor his legacy and cherish his memory.

Billy E. Barkley Sr. will be remembered for his enduring faith, generous heart, quiet strength, love of family, and lifelong commitment to doing something good for somebody every day.