James "Barney" Byron Throneburg

Born in 1936 in Toluca, North Carolina, to William and Mamie Throneburg, James was a driven young man who established multiple businesses throughout Catawba and Burke County over the years, including Barney’s Hosiery, Barney’s Auto & RV Sales, and the Pit Stop service station. He dearly loved his family, racing, country music, and the fellowship of his close friends and church family of Bethel United Methodist in Hickory, North Carolina.

He will be remembered not only for being a man of God, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend, but for his giving heart, caring ways, supportive guidance, encouragement, integrity as a person, and lover of animals.

His memory will be kept alive by his adoring eternal wife of 66 years and caretaker, Betty Jane Throneburg; two sons Terry and wife Joyce, and Keith and wife Patty; two grandchildren Joshua and Chris, sister Nancy Parkhurst; four great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father William and Mamie Ritchie; grandson Brian; three brothers William, Robert, and Donald, and two sisters, Barbara Ann Orders, and Joyce Marie Price.

The family wishes to thank the gifted medical professionals who helped provide care and support from DaVita Kidney Care, Frye Hospital, Catawba Valley Medical Center, and Carolina Caring Hospice for your kindness and gift of caring for others. Friends are invited to celebrate Barney’s life in Hickory at a receiving from 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Bethel United Methodist Church, 80 28th Street NW, Hickory, North Carolina 28601. The service will follow at 1 p.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org.