Master Sergeant Barney Ray Gatlin's Obituary
Master Sergeant Barney Ray Gatlin of Kemp, TX quietly passed away at home Oct. 26th. Born Nov. 25th, 1937 in Whitney, TX. Barney was very proud of his military career, which started in the Army when he was 16. In 1978 he received a Meritorious Service Medal for his service in the Airforce, and he retired July 31, 1978. Through these years, he worked on educating himself in his field and achieved 4 different degrees including a Bachelor in Applied Science in Education. He loved making beautiful smiles. He touched many people as a dental lab instructor and manager. He was a partner and manager at Buckner Dental Lab until his retirement in 2000. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Marie Gatlin, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. He has three daughters, Regan Agness and husband Bruce, Carrie Siqueiros and husband Adolfo, Lindy Fain and husband John, and one brother Freeland Gatlin. He was preceded in death by 3 siblings. His greatest Love was his family, and being “Big Daddy” to his Grandchildren. He loved traveling with them, and attending their many sports events and school activities. Barney loved his friends. He was always charming, and full of life. He loved playing golf with his friends and neighbors. One of his happiest days was on Feb. 15, 2011 when he had a hole in one at King’s Creek Golf Club. He was a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Gun Barrel City, TX. We will be forever grateful to friends and neighbors who have been so generous. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kenneth Saland, Barney’s Cardiologist for giving us all of the extra years to enjoy him. We know his baby blues are twinkling in Heaven. Visitation will be held Sat. Oct. 29 from 4:00-6:00 at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral will be Sun. Oct. 30 at 3:30 at Restland Memorial Chapel. Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Sergeant?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sergeant?
Share a story where Sergeant's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sergeant you’ll never forget.
How did Sergeant make you smile?