Norman ‘Barney’ Barnard

World War II veteran, Norman "Barney" Barnard, met his Savior at 104 years old on March 10, 2023.

He was born on Christmas Day of 1918 in the Chief Van house in Chatsworth, Georgia. At the time of his birth, the house was owned by his maternal grandparents, Jim and Lucy Sellers. After a move to Hayesville, North Carolina, he moved at the age of 6 with his parents to Cleveland.

At 24 years old, Norman began training with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in the 443rd squadron of the 320th bomb group, the "Boomerangs." His bomb group was among the most decorated of World War II. He was a flight engineer and crew chief on B-26 airplanes in the Mediterranean theater.

After World War II ended, he returned home to marry his sweetheart, Louise. After returning from the war, Barney worked as a mechanic at Callaway Motor Company for 17 years before going to work with Olin Chemical in maintenance when the plant opened in the early 1960s. He retired from Olin Chemical Company after 20 years. He was the last surviving charter member of North Cleveland Baptist Church, where he faithfully served in various leadership roles such as deacon and Sunday school teacher of young boys.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents, A.J. and Edith Sellers Barnard; wife, Louise Cawood Barnard; brothers, Edgar Barnard, Jack Barnard and Joe Barnard; sister, Inez Bush; son-in-law, Randall Melton; brothers-in-law, T.J. Cawood, Roy Cawood, Wayne Cawood and Taylor Cawood; and sisters-in-law, Gladys Haney and Juanita Cawood.

He is survived by his daughter, Norma Melton; grandchildren, Emily Wheeler (Joe) and Mark Melton; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Tyler and Stefan; step-grandchildren, Jeremy (Lauren) and Clarissa (Ray); step-great-grandchildren, Madeline, Hailey and Henry; special family friend, Ariel McFadden; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the loving care given to Barney for five years at Garden Plaza at Cleveland, and grateful to Avail Senior Living, Cleveland, for the loving care given during the last few weeks.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at North Cleveland Baptist Church. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. with Dr. Jay McCluskey and the Rev. Michael Cawood officiating.

Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Cleveland Baptist Church, 2815 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland, TN 37312, www.northclevelandbaptist.org.

Visit www.fikefh.com to share condolences and memories.

Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home of Cleveland is in charge of arrangements.