Barney wheeled his way into my heart when I was a nine year old little girl and never left. He watched me grow up, marry, and welcome four children of my own. He struggled daily with his physical condition, but never allowed it to stop him from living his life to the fullest. He taught my children to have compassion for others that have disabilities, but never let Cerebral Palsy define him.
The man had an opinion about just about everything, and he had no problem voicing it. We butted heads sometimes over it, but always made our peace with it and moved on. He made me feel needed, appreciated, loved, and that I mattered to him and for that I will always be grateful. As I watched the memorial video I realized how much he was loved and what a truly extraordinary man he was. I will miss our almost daily conversations my friend. See you and Ralph on the other side.
Love you,
Lisa
— Lisa Lynch
He was a great man. Once I asked him why everyone always asked if we were brothers, we didn't resemble in no way. He told me quote " because no one believes someone like me can have friends". Oh how wrong they were! I'm proud to say he was my friend and I loved him dearly. I'll miss you Barney. MY FRIEND FOREVER
— Howard Crowe
I don't recall much in the beginning of my life, but I do know that Barney was always a part of it that's for sure. He may not have been blood but in my eyes, he always was and he will continue to be. He always looked forward to seeing us whenever he got the chance and we felt the same about him. The joy he felt as he watched us grow showed on his face and he appreciated the kindness we gave him as we tried to be there for his needs. I always looked forward to hearing his voice whenever he would speak to my Mama on the phone almost every night.
Whenever Barney would come over, we would have his special cup ready for him as if he was coming home from a long trip. The man had a big heart on him and that's not something you find these days. No, that's something you have to be born with, and he was definitely one of those special people. He loved us, his family, and of course his best buddy, Ralph. When we found Ralph as a puppy and Barney saw him for the first there was so much joy on his face you could see they would be best friends forever. Ralph was by Barney's side for years and they forged an amazing bond.
Though it breaks my heart to see both of them go I'm so grateful that they're no longer suffering and that they're together again just like Barney would've wanted. I'll always be thinking about when Barney is going to call or come over again. I'll never forget the one birthday present he gave me that was very special to me and still is till this day and that was a Mr. Snuffleupagus stuffed animal from Sesame Street. Barney knew I loved elephants and he gave it to me when I was about four or five years old and till this day, I still have it because it shows how much Barney meant to me. I'm going to miss you so much Barney that it hurts and know that I will always love you with all of my heart. May you and Ralph be happy together in heaven.
Love,
Drew
— Drew Lynch
Lesli,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . Much love and prayer to you all during this difficult time .
— David & Lori Rush
This saddens me to my core. I have had the honor of being his friend since about 1985. I met him when I moved above him in an apartment complex in Jonesboro. We became good friends, him and his scraggly cat he called Tom. I remember he tested my friendship once when he talked me into helping him one weekend at the lawn care service he owned and operated so proudly. I realized two things, one was he thought I'd drive his riding mower up two little sticks into the back of his truck (I did not) and the second thing is never weed eat and yard where a dog lives. I never done that again ever!!! He was such a awesome kind innocent loving person. He would do some silly funny trick on people and laugh so hard that you couldn't remember the punchline because his hysterically contagious belly laugh was the highlight of the day. I have missed him so much over the years. I am blessed and honored to have known such a all around flawless man, and I know he's in heaven running the soles of his feet off since he doesn't need his wheels in Heaven. You will be missed and was loved by anyone lucky enough to know you. I will miss you dearly Traci Crowe
— Traci Crowe
This saddens me to my core. I have had the honor of being his friend since about 1985. I met him when I moved above him in an apartment complex in Jonesboro. We became good friends, him and his scraggly cat he called Tom. I remember he tested my friendship once when he talked me into helping him one weekend at the lawn care service he owned and operated so proudly. I realized two things, one was he thought I'd drive his riding mower up two little sticks into the back of his truck (I did not) and the second thing is never weed eat and yard where a dog lives. I never done that again ever!!! He was such a awesome kind innocent loving person. He would do some silly funny trick on people and laugh so hard that you couldn't remember the punchline because his hysterically contagious belly laugh was the highlight of the day. I have missed him so much over the years. I am blessed and honored to have known such a all around flawless man, and I know he's in heaven running the soles of his feet off since he doesn't need his wheels in Heaven. You will be missed and was loved by anyone lucky enough to know you. I will miss you dearly Traci Crowe
— Traci Crowe