Barney Elbert Howard

Barney Elbert Howard, 88, of Paragould, passed away Wednesday morning, February 23, 2011, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center (AMMC) in Paragould. He was born October 26, 1922, in Paragould. Barney is survived by his loving wife, Bernice Howard, a daughter, and son-in-law, Shelia and Dennis Weaver, two sisters, Virgalene (Joe) DeHart and Willadean (Max) Sheffield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Runa Howard; a sister, Imogene; and brothers, Donald, Paul, Griffin, and Dallas; and a special nephew, Ray Hampton. He was known as “Uncle Barney,” “Barn-o,” “Uncle B,” or “The B” to many special nieces and nephews. He loved them all. He has two special “grandsons,” Chris and Mike Hampton, and he adored Blake and Blair Hampton who thought of him as their “PaPaw.” He was an avid fisherman and everyone in Greene County would ask him for the location of his latest, favorite crappie fishing holes. He loved fishing and could tell the best fishing stories. His fishing efforts earned him his nickname, “Kingfish,” which he said was proudly bestowed upon him by his favorite son-in-law in the 1960’s. His special fishing and cooking stories, his genuine love for all people, and his always having a good time with people on his back patio made him so very special, and he was loved by all. He was the greatest dad a loving daughter could ever have. Barney proudly served in World War II with the 250th Field Artillery Battalion with service in battles and campaigns in Northern France, Central Europe, Rhineland, and Normandy. After the war, he worked as a farmer, truck driver, and used car dealer. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. Family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 2/25/2011, at Heath Funeral Home, and the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, 2/25/2011, at Heath Funeral Home. His life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, 2/26/2011, at Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend Michael Sutton and Reverend Everett Isom officiating. Burial will follow at Finch Cemetery. Serving as Pall bearers are Jim Burgess, Charles Martin, Cody Martin, Henry Howard, Joey DeHart, John Bibb, and Jimmy Hale. Memorials may be sent to Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church. For online condolences, visit www.heathfuneralhome.com