Will Barfoot

Will Barfoot, 64, of Gulfport, Mississippi, left the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, and enteres the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on November 19, 2009.
Will was born on March 20, 1945, in Mobile, Alabama, to Willie B. Barfoot and Myrtle Jackson Barfoot while his father was working in the shipyards during World War II. Two years later, Will and his family moved back to Bude, Mississippi in Franklin County.
Will is survived by his wife of nearly 41 years, Marilyn Burris Barfoot; his daughters, Elizabeth Christian (Lance), and Kathryn Marrero (Frank); six grandchildren, Rhett and Noah Williams, Trinity and Patrick Baugh, Samuel and Juliana Marrero; and one step-grand-daughter, Taylor Christian. He is also survived by his sisters, Doris Smith (Lawrence), Dorothy Creech (Osen), Susie Carter (David), sister-in-law, Ann Jones (Johnny), brothers-in-law, David Burris II (Pat), James Burris (Barbara), his aunt, Helen Jackson Russell (Oscar), uncle, David Jackson (Louise), and many nephews, nieces, and cousins, and friends.
He was a graduate of William Carey College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in social studies and master's degree in history. He taught thousands of high school over the course of a 30-year career. He began teaching American history at Harrison Central High School the fall of 1969 and retired in 1994.
To say that Will loved books, especially about history, would be an understatement. He knew more about history than most people and would happily engage friends and strangers alike in tales of important historic events that happened on that day or in that locale. He imparted that love of history and knowledge to his family, too, traveling to many historic sites every summer.
Will led by example, teaching his children and grandchildren the value of a good education, a good work ethic, a strong family, and most importantly, a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In retirement, he and Marilyn were active in Bel-Aire Baptist Church, volunteering many hours in the church library. Together, they were also active daylily enthusiasts, and their yards boast hundreds of varieties of these beautiful flowers.
""""Papa,"""" so named by his eldest grandchild's first word in early 1995, lived for his grandchildren. While their parents and """"Grandma"""" tried to set decorum or rules of order, the grandchildren thought of Papa as one of their own, just a big kid at heart---teaching them the value of a dollar at the dollar store, the pleasure in a mid-afternoon nap in the backyard breeze, and the utter joy of a midnight snack.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 23, 2009, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 11:00 AM at Bel-Aire Baptist Church, Dedeaux Road, Gulfport, where family and friends may call from 10:00 AM until service time. Burial will be at Calvary Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Mize, MS at 3:30 PM.
An online obituary may be viewed and a guest book signed at www.riemannfamily.com.