Barney Ray Smithers, age 79, of Robbins, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Specialty Select Hospital in Powell, Tennessee.

Born on November 9, 1945, at his family’s home in Elgin, Barney was known for loving his three grandchildren and for telling stories to his friends.

An excellent student, Barney learned many skills in his life. He worked in underground mining, a land surveyor, sold life insurance, and was an over-the-road truck driver. He was most proud of the two years he served in the Army as a helicopter mechanic.

In his personal life, Barney was the husband to his wife Judy until her passing ten years ago. They shared two Daughters of whom they were very proud. 

In the latter years of his life, he was an active member of Black Creek Crossroads Baptist Church and enjoyed attending church there until he became a resident at Huntsville Manor.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents, Pharo and Tema (Lackey) Smithers; his brothers, Curtis Smithers, Reverend Charles Smithers, and Pharoah Smithers; his sisters, Sarah Bowling, Edith Storey, Betty Young, and Wanda Ruth Henry.

Barney was survived by his two daughters; Traci (Jason) Byrge and Jackie (Robbie) Laney and his three grandchildren; Lily Byrge, Wyatt Laney, and Sophie Laney, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with the Smithers family on Tuesday, December 17, from 6:30 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 7:30 p.m.in the chapel of Jones and Son Funeral Home with Bro. Jerry Byrge officiating. Music will be provided by the Black Creek Crossroads Baptist Church Choir. 

The committal service will be conducted on Wednesday, December 18, at 11 a.m. in the Black Creek Crossroads Cemetery in Robbins, Tennessee with full Military Honors conducted by the American Legion Post #136 of Oneida.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Barney Ray Smithers.