Barney Joe Durrence Jr.

REGISTER: Barney Joe Durrence, Jr. was born February 21, 1943 in Daisy, Georgia. He attended Claxton High School, where he excelled in baseball and track and enjoyed working as a page for Senator Ed Perry. Barney graduated Claxton High School in 1961 and the University of Georgia in 1966, with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. While in college, he completed ROTC and served as doorman for the United States Senate, where he quickly decided he did not want a career in politics.
Barney served in the United States Air Force, where he proudly worked to provide benefits for the widows of servicemen killed in action. He left the Air Force after completion of his Vietnam Tour with the rank of Captain.
Barney and his first wife, Barbara, had two sons, John (Tammy) and Chris (Anna) Durrence.
In 2002, Barney married Patricia Perry Rushing, his high school sweetheart, and became a second father to her daughters, Andrea (David) Clenny, Amie (James) Deal, and Eide (Tim) Nesmith.
Together they had five children, fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Barney was a member of Daisy United Methodist Church until his death on July 28, 2021. He was a member of Claxton Rotary and various other community organizations.
Barney was preceded in death by his parents, Barney Joe, Sr. and Myrtle Durrence.
The family would like to express appreciation to Ogeechee Area Hospice, Barney’s doctors and nurses, and his many friends for their support during this time.

SURVIVORS: He is survived by his wife of nineteen years, Patricia Perry Durrence; his sister, Romona Rushing; his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and three nieces.

VISITATION: Daisy United Methodist Church, 10:00 am, Friday, July 30, 2021.

FUNERAL: Daisy United Methodist Church, 11:00 am, Friday, July 30, 2021.

BURIAL: Bull Creek Church Cemetery.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Claxton Rotary Club.

REMEMBERANCES: Daisy United Methodist Church, 15358 B.E. Smith Road, Claxton, Ga. 30417. P.O. Box 106 Daisy, 30423.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
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(912) 739-3338
www.nesmithfuneralhome.com