Dateline: July 10, 2003

Barnhill

Services for Thomas Gary Barnhill, age 84, were held at 2:00 p.m. in Robertson Chapel of Memories with Rev. Ned Creswell, Episcopal Minister from Amarillo, officiating.  Masonic graveside services and interment were held in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors, Inc., of Clarendon.

Mr. Barnhill died Friday, July 4, 2003, in Clarendon, Texas.  Mr. Barnhill was born June 19, 1919, in Crockett, Texas.  He married Nell Williams in 1939.  Gary served in the US Army Infantry in World War II at Camp Fannin in Tyler, Texas, and with the Allied Military Government in Korea.  After his military service, he and Nell owned and operated Farmer’s Supply in Turkey, Texas.  In 1955, they moved to Clarendon and built the Sandell Drive In Theater.  He later purchased the Mulkey Theater and operated both movie houses for more than 30 years.  In 1968, Gary opened Barney’s Marine and operated it until May 2003. 

He was a member of Clarendon Masonic Lodge #700 and was a Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master. 

Gary, or “Barney” as he was affectionately called, was a friend and mentor to countless people.  He was a dear beloved husband, father, and grandfather to his family.  Gary loved his family and friends and will be sorely missed by all.  He loved Clarendon and always said, “Clarendon’s been good to us.”

Survivors include his wife of 64 years Nell; two daughters, Sandi Barnhill-Harris and husband of Amarillo, and Adele Barnhill-Lee and husband of Arlington, Washington; four grandchildren Tami Logsdon of Amarillo, Darin Davis and wife Brenda of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Gary Sherr and wife Tamara of Arlington, Washington; Tripp Sherr of Arlington, Washington; great grandchildren Hope and Kristin Logsdon; three great great grandchildren, Hannah Logsdon and Lexi and Dakota Sherr; a sister, Jeanette Case; two sisters-in-law, Lois Grupe Warrenburg and Mary Barnhill; a brother-in-law, Jack Williams and wife; and several nieces and nephews.