Franklin "Buddy" L. Barkley

Franklin "Buddy" Lynwood Barkley, 86, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, September, 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Buddy was born in Middlebrook, Virginia, a son of the late Frank Jackson Barkley and Nannie May Hanger Barkley. He was the youngest of six children.

Buddy enjoyed working with his hands. He was a talented crafter, repairer and fixer of all things. A jack of all trades, and master of many. Given an idea he could design it, sketch it out, buy the lumber and build it before your thought was complete. Beautiful furniture was built by his hands with the motto given to him by his father, “measure twice, cut once.” He spent many hours at his lathe spinning wood to make unique pens others will write with for years. Those pens became gifts to many just so he could see the delight on their faces.

Buddy also wore many hats: draftsman (Wayne Manufacturing, Plasser American, and Air-A-Plane Corporation); football and softball coaches in Wilson and Churchland, Virginia; young adult youth leader; national soccer referee; and public works maintenance supervisor for the City of Portsmouth. Buddy was the consummate kid and teaser at heart - his Woody Woodpecker call across the hill let family know he was on the way - and Thanksgiving was not Thanksgiving unless someone’s arm got buttered like a biscuit.

Buddy held several important titles: husband to Nancy Barkley for sixty-four years, a father to Sherrie Galloway (Doug) and Andrea Lynn Barkley, a little brother to the late Margie Brooks, Ruth Hogshead, Rosalie Thomas, Ann Hemp and Graham Barkley, and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will held at 2:00 PM Friday, October 9, 2026, at St. John's Reformed United Church of Christ Cemetery in Staunton with Pastor Derek Almarode officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in St. John's Fellowship Hall.