Benjamin Greer Barksdale

Benjamin Greer Barksdale of Madison County, AL was born on July 12, 1983 in Lajes Field of the Azores, small islands off the coast of Portugal. Ben was a caring and thoughtful son to Mark and Dyanne Barksdale, evidenced by his gift-giving goal to cause tears. He respected and loved them fiercely. Born the baby of the family to older sisters Tanya Barksdale and Claire Sharp (Trey), Ben naturally had to ride in the middle of the backseat and was doomed to lose the floor is lava game. Yet even with such abuse, Ben loved and adored his older sisters, having such a strong bond to outlast earthly limits. One of Ben’s proudest lifetime achievements was his years in the Navy. He served on the USS George Washington during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf. He was a relatively shy introvert, but became very animated and unreserved when sharing stories related to this time. His comrades and men with whom he served held a special place in his heart. No matter the distance of place or time, he felt very close to these souls. Ben could be characterized as an 80-year-old man in a 35-year-old body. As in grumpy, and “get off my lawn.” But don’t let that persona fool you. Ben adored animals and devoted some of his time and money to animal rescue. He really did like people; he helped those in need very quietly but still with compassion and, most importantly, with respect. Ben treasured being able to work with his hands. He appreciated his woodworking shop, where he created and put such love in everything he built. His home was filled with projects, both big and small. He wanted his finished work to be touched and felt, leaving a piece of him on earth for us to cherish. He had a passion for music and talent for playing guitar. Many an afternoon, the house would reverberate with Dave Matthews Band or Jason Isbell. Not only playing, he also enjoyed refurbishing and recreating guitars. His work was with precision and attention to detail. Ben married his fellow dork and partner in crime, Michelle Townsend Barksdale, on May 9, 2015. Despite being embarrassed by his singing-and-dancing-in-public wife, he loved her with complete abandon. They went on many adventures together, whether that was hiking, driving a back-country road, going to a concert, or oogling over a car. There was music and laughter, so much laughter. Most importantly, they celebrated one another, believed in the greatness of the other, and wanted to see the other fly. Although only knowing one another for 6 ½ years, their love was genuine and profound. They had a love that knows no bounds. Ben died on March 27, 2019 from cancer, holding the hand of his supportive wife. In the words of Stuart Scott: “You beat cancer by how you live, while you live, and in the manner in which you live.” Ben beat cancer every day. Ben desired to be cremated, with his remains scattered in Colorado and the Redwood Forest. His military marker will be located beside his Grandad’s (Maurice Barksdale) grave at Athens City Cemetery. Much appreciation to his Nana (Donna Barksdale) for this kind gesture. He was extremely proud to be their grandson. Services for Ben will be held at Limestone Chapel in Athens, AL on Saturday, April 6. Visitation at 2 PM, Memorial Service at 3PM (Central Time). Officiated by Pastor John Tanner. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following causes. Ben would be so appreciative. F.O.R. (Friends of Rescue) – Animal Rescue: http://forrescue.net/donate-money/ BeArded WARRIORs of Huntsville – a Veteran organization: www.paypal.me/BeArdedWARRIORs or at any Redstone Federal Credit Union, deposited into the BeArded WARRIORs account Hospice Family Care of Huntsville: http://hospicefamilycare.org/donate.aspx

Benjamin Greer Barksdale

July 12, 1983 - March 27, 2019