Barney Everett Gilbreath

On August 6, 2017, Barney Everett Gilbreath went home to be with his Lord. To his family, he was lovingly known as Pop and PawPaw.

Barney entered this life on August 24, 1945 in Gainesville, Texas and left this world Sunday at North Texas Medical Center Hospital in Gainesville, Texas. Loving family and close friends filled the room and gathered near his bedside to usher him on to meet the Jesus that he loved so dearly.

Surviving him are many very close family members and friends, but none so dedicated to him as his wife in life, Margaret Gilbreath, his daughter and son-in-law, Arnita Leann and Rick McCaffrey, his son and daughter-in-law, Monty Everett and Robbye Gilbreath, a granddaughter Caitlin Jo and her husband Will Rackley, a grandson Colton Everett Gilbreath and a great granddaughter Madeline Jo Rackley. Others include his brothers George C. Gilbreath and his wife Jean along with Clovis O. Gilbreath and his wife Julia, sister-in-law Lena Allison and husband Phillip, brother-in laws Glendon Harper and Sonny Cornett along with a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Barney McCoy and Juanita Mae Gilbreath. A brother Loy (Pete) McCoy, a brother Coy McLoy and a sister Bonnie Ruth Harper. Barney loved his family unconditionally, spending countless hours working, worrying and fidgeting trying to fix everyone's ills and needs.

Barney attended Gainesville Schools then went on to graduate Gainesville High School in 1964. Later, he attended Cooke County College. It was during these young years that Barney developed his love of cars and "scooters". His dearest relationships in life centered around these and even as he struggled with his health, you could find him tapping, grinding, and painting on his treasured Cushmans. They all still sit in the "Eagles Nest" today at Barney’s home, "needing just one more thing." Barney loved tinkering. Be it cars, tractors, building or restoring, he always had a project; he also loved dearly his friends with whom he shared adventures and had a story for each and every one.

He was drafted in the military in October of 1966 and deployed to the central highland region near Pleiku,Viet Nam that same year. He was raised to the rank of Sargent and served in the 4th Infantry Division. To the end he was a patriot and had a passion for his country. He was justifiably proud of his service and never failed to stand and salute his flag when given an opportunity.

Barneys pride and loyalty extended into his work as well. He worked as a machinist during the bulk of his life at both National Supply and Peterbilt Motors, but as all who knew him can attest, he could and did everything.

June 18th marks the anniversary of Barney and Margaret’s marriage, whose love for each other was evident to all. Their fifty-two years together was filled with family, fun, and love beyond measure.

Pop's ten year battle with cancer was a testament to how he lived. "well it's broke, let’s go fix it".

Visitation will be held Friday evening, August 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Geo. J. Carroll and Son Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Kremling officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Geo. J Carroll and Son Funeral Home.