William Eugene "Gene" Barksdale
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William Eugene "Gene" Barksdale, age 83, passed away Friday, August 19, 2022. Gene was born on January 25, 1939, in Mayfield, KY. The family moved to Meridian, MS, in 1942 where Gene's father was part owner of the Meridian Pepsi Cola Bottling Company. Gene graduated from Meridian High School in 1957 and then attended Meridian Junior College. He transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his BS in 1962 and his MBA in 1971.
Gene was a member of the Mississippi National Guard 153rd Tactical Recon Squadron, Meridian, MS. On August 25, 1961, the 153rd was activated due to the Berlin Wall being built. Gene and his wife Agnes married on August 25, 1961, and August 25, 2022, would have been their 61st anniversary.
Upon graduation, Gene was employed by Reliance Manufacturing (Big Yank) Corporation in 1962, and he and Agnes moved to Hattiesburg. In 1966 Gene was employed by the Hattiesburg Public Schools as a Federal Projects Coordinator and eventually was promoted to Business Manager from which he retired in 1996. Throughout his career in public education, he greatly appreciated the many people in our town who valued public education and especially the Hattiesburg Public Schools staff who were professional, dedicated employees.
Gene was a member of the Association of School Business Officials (past Board of Directors member); Mississippi Council of Public Schools; the Hattiesburg Exchange Club (past President; treasurer for 22 years and member for 55 years); and Hattiesburg Civic Club Council (past Vice President); and Elks Club member for 52 years. Throughout his professional career, he was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, teaching school business education classes. In 1973, he was appointed the Hattiesburg Public School Division of the United Givers Fund campaign. In 1974, he was appointed to the Governor's Quality Education Committee which researched and formulated ideas for improving the Mississippi's educational system.
Gene was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. A dream of his was to make a hole in one but he never did! Even during his last few years, a high point of his was to sit outside and enjoy nature. Throughout the years, the family enjoyed fishing, hunting, water skiing, sports, and music together. He was also a 'piddler' and could repair almost anything.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Raymond D. Barksdale, Sr., and Susie Hardaway Barksdale; brother, Raymond D. Barksdale, Jr., and his wife Walterine; and nephew, Raymond D. Barksdale, III.
He is survived by wife Agnes; daughter, Susan Eckerle (Brian), Rockville, MD; son, William (Bill) Eugene Barksdale, Jr., Exeter, NH; grandson, Brian H. Eckerle, Rockville, MD; and niece, Malinda Bevins (Harry), Charlotte, NC.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 am - 9:45 am on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Moore Funeral Home, 805 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, August 26, 2022, at Moore Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Hopkins officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery, 3401 West 7th Street, Hattiesburg, MS. Reception will follow burial at the Hardy Street Baptish Church Fellowship Hall, 1508 Hardy Street., Hattiesburg, MS.
Hardy Street Baptist Church is our church home, and we appreciate all the love and kindnesses shown to our family. The family expresses our thanks for the wonderful help and care provided by Bedford Care Center of Petal and Bellevue Assisted Living of Hattiesburg.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to Edwards Street Fellowship Center, 1919 Edwards Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.