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Obituaries
Johnny Nelson Barefoot, Sr.
Johnny Nelson Barefoot Sr., 81, of Newport News, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 15th, 2024. Johnny was a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, and was the son of the late Coy Timothy Barefoot and Lyda Adams Barefoot. He was also preceded in death by his Father and Mother-in-law, Lem, and Margaret Wheeler; brother and sister-in-law, Eddie and Pam Barefoot; brother-in-law and his sister and Chuck and Faye Walker; brother-in-law and his sister and Charles and LaNelle Ellis, and his brother-in-law James Spivey. He is survived by his wife, Joy Wheeler Barefoot; his sister, Margie Spivey; his son and daughter-in-law, Johnny Barefoot Jr. and Cynthia Fry Barefoot; his daughter and daughter-in-law, Karen Barefoot and Adrienne Gale; and his daughter, Sharon Barefoot. He had eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one more on the way.
He was a loved and admired man throughout the peninsula and in Carolina. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, and true friend to many! His caring demeanor could be easily seen by all in his expressive, deep blue eyes that everyone came to know.
Johnny was born on November 14th, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he resided until 1952, when he moved to Newport News with his Family. Johnny graduated from Warwick High School (’61), Apprentice School (’66), and Virginia Tech – VPI (’71); so yes, he was a proud “Hokie”! While at Warwick High School’s homecoming in the fall of 1962, he saw and fell in love with the love of his life, Joy Ann Wheeler. He attended the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, and they were married on June 26th, 1965. Together, they raised three children: Johnny, Karen, and Sharon. The beautiful “straight out of Hollywood” couple shared a love very few in this world are fortunate enough to know.
They were known for their fun-loving lifestyle and for always trying to live life to the fullest. Whether in the Outer Banks of North Carolina or back at home in Newport News, the endless gatherings of Family and friends would be something they were known for throughout their lives together.
The Family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on March 21st, 2024, at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, March 22nd, 2024, at Hilton Christian Church at 100 James River Drive, Newport News. The burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave Hampton. A gathering from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm for all Family and friends to conclude the celebration of his life will be held at the Apprentice Athletic Facility (Football Stadium), 3901 Marshall Ave. Newport News, Virginia. 23607 in Johnny’s honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Apprentice School Athletics Hall of Fame at GoBuilders.com/HOFDonations. All donations will go toward installing a physical Hall of Fame display at The Apprentice School under the name of Johnny Nelson Barefoot Sr.
5 Comments
Uncle Johnny was a beautiful soul! His love and caring for his family always came first! I’ll always remember that warm smile and little laugh that made you feel hugged even when it was over the phone. RIP … Uncle Johnny.
Uncle Johnny’s welcoming smile and warm heart embraced everyone he knew. We all loved him dearly and he will be greatly missed. He was such a blessing to everyone. We are all better for having known him and what a great tribute and legacy he leaves behind from a life well lived.
Uncle Johnny’s welcoming smile and warm heart embraced everyone he knew. We all loved him dearly and he will be greatly missed. He was such a blessing to everyone. We are all better for having known him. What a great tribute and legacy he leaves behind from a life well lived.
Johnny n I worked together in the shipyard. I was sad to hear about his passing. Even though I have not seen nor talked to him in years. He
was a kind n gentle person. My sympathy goes out to Joy and family. My prayers are with you. Stay blessed
Johnny was an amazing man. He was a big influence in my life as I was growing up. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or fix. He loved his family and cherished his friends. I remember having many evenings with Johnny, his family and friends. He would often make the comment; “I wonder what the rich people are doing tonight”. That drove the point home that nothing could possibly be any better to him than spending time together with family and friends building lasting memories together. I love you Johnny, you will be missed but forever remembered.