Thomas Junior Barner

Obituary Thomas Junior Barner A Reflection of Life, Love, and Legacy Thomas Junior Barner, was born on November 2, 1942, in South Hill, VA to the late Mernivia and Tommy Barner. On October 3, 2022, the doors of Heaven opened, waiting to greet him was his son, Thomas Alfons Barner, his parents, uncles’ William and Charles Barner, and niece Charlene Robinson. Thomas dedicated his life to His Lord and Savior at an early age at the Lambert’s Chapel Baptist Church in South Hill, VA. Thomas served faithfully at the Fifth Street Baptist Church for more than 38 years. Thomas was an active participating member serving on the Men’s Usher Board #1 and the treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Couples Class Ministry under the leadership of Reverend Edwards and Deacon Brenda Edwards, and the current teacher the Reverend Jewel Winn. Thomas also enjoyed helping decorate the church during the holiday season with the aide of his wife. Thomas was educated in the Public School System of South Hill, VA, graduating from East End High School in 1961. He also earned an Associate’s Degree in Auto Mechanics from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA. On August 6, 1966, Thomas married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Booker Barner and to this union one child was born Thomas Alfons Barner (Deceased). August 7, 1971, Ann and Thomas and her sister Gladys Booker Bracey and her late husband Douglas Bracey renewed their vows in celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Thomas enlisted in the United States Airforce and was deployed to Vietnam during his first year. He spent a total of six years in active duty and went on to serve an additional 15 years in the United States Airforce Reserves where he was stationed in Spokane, Washington for 3 years. After a total of 23 years of dedicated service to the United States of America, Thomas retired with the ranking of Master Sergeant. After returning to Richmond, VA, Thomas worked in the shipping department at Bellwood Defense General Supply Center. Thomas continued service for the United States Government as a Vehicle Fleet Maintenance Supervisor for the United States Postal Service where he retired after 40 years of service. Although Thomas retired from government service he never retired from ‘service to others’, for indeed he was a ‘Jack of All Trades’ he could fix and repair almost anything, and that he did; from installing bathroom fixtures, floors, light fixtures, and anything on a car. He loved antique cars, trucks, and enjoyed working in God’s earth. He loved a beautiful yard and was meticulous about the upkeep of his own yard. Because he loved to be out in the yard, he started his own Lawn Care Service with his wife Ann, where they served their customers for more than six years. Thomas Junior Barner, was a quiet, kind, and caring person who loved God, his family, and friends. Thomas’ basic belief was to treat others as you wanted to be treated. That was the code he lived by. Yet, his ultimate trust was in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy of love, and faith, his wife of 56 years Ruth Ann Booker Barner, his sister Marie Wills, Washington, D.C, Connie Barner, South Hill, VA, (3) sisters-in-law Rose Porter, Chesterfield, VA, Gladys Coleman (Rev. John Coleman) Chesterfield, VA, Margaret Ross (McKinley) Midlothian, VA, (2) brothers-in-law James Booker Jr (Viola) Amelia, VA, Franklin Booker (Denise) Amelia, VA, (13) devoted and caring nieces, Cynthia Porter-Moore, Kisha Christian, Tracy Ross, Brittany Ross, Kimberly Campbell, Joyce Berger, Jacquelyn & Dorethea Wills, Denise Barner, Lafonda Booker, Julianne Hicks, Jennifer Cooper, and Maya Christian, (5) Devoted and caring nephews Keith Barner, Keith Bracey, William Porter, Jr. Sean Booker, Franklin Booker, Jr., (12) supportive and devoted friends, William Porter, Sarah Massucci, Rev. Helen Clayton-Brown, Connie Thompson-Bodkin, Jeanne Fitchett, Mary Williams, William and Patricia Hughes, Benjamin Thornton, Vanessa Myers-Mason, Dorothy Tatum and Valerie Foster. And many other relatives, Rev. Addie Holloway and Laura Anderson, cousins, neighbors and friends.

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Thomas Junior Barner

November 2, 1942 - October 3, 2022