Paul Arnold Barkley, age 74, of Taylorsville passed away at Valley Nursing Center on Friday, May 29, 2015. Born on Sunday, November 10, 1940, in Catawba County, to the late Willie Lee and Lilly Mae Miller Barkley. Paul served in the Air Force as a member of the air police. He was a member of East Taylorsville Baptist Church. Paul was a member of the Lee Lodge, member of Oasis Shrine, on the Selective Service Board of Alexander County, and also on the original Hospice Board for Alexander County.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Kurtis Mitchell Barkley and one brother, Gene E. Barkley.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rachel L. "Susie" Barkley of the home, one son, Fred L. Barkley and wife Lesia of Taylorsville, one sister, Phyllis N. Barkley of Texas, one brother, Lee Barkley and wife Jenny of Statesville, six grandchildren, Will Barkley and wife Brooke, Lauren, Logan, Luke, Lawson, Emma Barkley, one great-granddaughter, Willow Elizabeth Barkley, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Sunday evening May 31, 2015 from 5:00-7:00 pm at East Taylorsville Baptist Church. Funeral services are Monday, June 1, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the church, with the Rev. Jamie Steele officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will take place at the Fairview Cemetery in Hickory. Military rights will be afforded by DAV post 84 and 6 and Masonic grave side rights will be offered by the Lee Lodge. In addition to flowers the family requests that memorials be made to The Shriners Children's Hospital PO Box 1525 Ransom, WV 25438, and also Alexander County Hospice 50 Lucy Echerd Ln Taylorsville, NC 28681