Thomas Barksdale Jr.

Thomas Walter Barksdale, Jr.Gray CourtThomas Walter Barksdale, Jr., 98, of Gray Court and husband of the late Ruby Red Barksdale, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017.Born in Gray Court, he was the son of the late Thomas Walter Barksdale, Sr. and Maude Bolt Barksdale. A U.S. Army Air Corp veteran of WW II, he was a POW in German Stalag 17 B after his plane was shot down. Mr. Barksdale worked for Southern States Lumber Co. for 50 years and also for Pearson Photo Service. A member of Highland Home Baptist Church, he was a member of the American Legion and the VFW.He is survived by: his children, Susan B. Benton and husband Joseph of Mt. Pleasant and Kittie B. Bagwell and husband Kevin of Gray Court; grandchildren, Joy Clayton, Thomas Benton, Todd Benton, and Matthew Benton; and great grandchildren, Jordan Childs, Makayla Childs, Chelsea Childs, Haley Stapleton, Dakotah Benton, and Rita Benton.In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by: a son, Thomas Walter Barksdale, III and a grandson, Chip Childs.Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 31, 2017, at Highland Home Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Ben Rumph and Rev. Billy Cathcart with burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors.The family will be at the home of his daughter, 103 Farriers Trail, Gray Court, SC 29645, and will receive friends Saturday, December 30, 2017, at The Kennedy Mortuary from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.The family wishes to thank David Turner for his love and care of Mr. Barksdale during his later years.Memorials may be made to Highland Home Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 283, Gray Court, SC 29645.Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thekennedymortuary.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas Barksdale Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.