MSGT William "Bill" D. Barkley

MSGT William David “Bill” Barkley, retired U.S. Air Force, 85, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on July 26, 1939, in Staunton to the late Helen Virginia Jordan and Jesse James Barkley.

Bill graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and went on to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served for twenty-six years. Throughout his military career, he was stationed in numerous states, including Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, as well as in several foreign countries. Among his overseas assignments, Greece was a favorite-he was stationed there three times. He also studied Chinese at Yale University in preparation for an assignment in China. After retiring from the Air Force, Bill attended Blue Ridge Community College and later worked as a draftsman.

He is survived by his sister, Jane Barkley Sellers; his brother-in-law, Harold Sellers; his nieces, Rachel Sellers Hawkins, Laura Stover Johnson, Brenda Barkley Fetzner, Robbin Gribben Sellers, and Jean Stover; his nephews, Greg Sellers, Joe Stover, Mike Barkley, Jeff Barkley, and Tony Hawkins; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Homan Barkley; his sisters, Elizabeth Barkley Stover and Betty Barkley; his brother, Herbert Barkley; his sister-in-law, Peggy Hulvey Barkley; his nephews, Nelson Stover, Jay Stover, Raymond Stover, Wayne Barkley, and Charlie Johnson; and his niece, Brenda Gibbs Stover.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton with Reverend Elizabeth “Tizzy” von Trapp Walker officiating.

Interment will immediately follow at Old Providence Presbyterian Church in Steeles Tavern Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marquis Memorial United Methodist Church (1614 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 24401).