Dewell Barkley

Born in Hickory, NC on April 18, 1928 Departed on October 3, 2018 and resided in Gallatin, TN Celebration of Life: Hendersonville First Baptist Church Room: ChapelTuesday October 9, 2018 11:00am to 12:00pmVisitation: Hendersonville First Baptist Church Room: ChapelTuesday October 9, 2018 10:00am to 11:00amVisitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: StateroomMonday October 8, 2018 4:00pm to 8:00pm

Dewell Wiley Barkley age 90, of Hendersonville/Gallatin, TN, passed away on Wednesday October 3rd, 2018.

Dewell was born in Hickory, NC, on April 18, 1928, the son of the late William Thomas Barkley and Leola Pearl Jones Barkley. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Earnest, David, Troy, Will, Don, Ned, sisters Catherine and Julia, and his first wife Marjorie.

In 1945 Dewell joined the Merchant Marines and traveled to India, Japan, Egypt, and other countries. His ships were serving to bring back troops at the end of World War Two. In 1947 he joined the US Army. He was a paratrooper and a cook. In his Army career, he was a mess sergeant and managed officer clubs and NCO clubs on the base. He served in Japan, Germany, South Korea and various bases in the US. Following 21 years of military services he spent time managing restaurants including the Farmers Daughter Restaurant and Little Jimmy Dickens Smokehouse, both in Green Hills, Nashville, TN. In 1970, Dewell left the restaurant business and went to work for First American National Bank. He did properties management for the bank until his retirement in 1991. He was a member and deacon of Hendersonville First Baptist Church where he worked in the nursery and the Royal Ambassador program. The last 27 years was spent traveling, volunteering, and involving himself in his children and grandchildren.

Dewell is survived by his wife of 47 years, Robbie Hudson Barkley; his daughter Gwyn Barkley, sons Randal Barkley (Dianne), Heath Barkley (Lisa), Nick Barkley (Charlotte); twelve grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and his sister Ruth Smyre.

Visitation will be held at the Hendersonville Funeral Home on Monday, October 8, 2018 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

The celebration of life will be held at the Hendersonville First Baptist Church Chapel on Tuesday October 9, 2018 at 11:00am. There will be an hour of visitation before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Backpack Ministry at Hendersonville First Baptist Church or Alive Hospice.