Barney Keith Stringer- a father, grandfather, son, husband, and friend to all- passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Forrest General Hospital at the age of 72. He was loved and surrounded by family during the last few weeks of his illness. Keith was born on February 15, 1953, to his loving parents, Merle and Leo Stringer, who preceded him in death. New Hope was Keith’s home for his entire life. He was a very hard worker. Keith could be found peddling fruit with New Hope friends and working in the hay fields. He graduated from West Marion High School in 1972. Then, he began his career working offshore and driving trucks. Keith retired after finishing his career in the bridge and road construction business.
Keith, better known as “Doorknob” or “Rabbit”, found great enjoyment in spending time on Ten Mile Creek cooking out with friends and family. Fishing was also one of his favorite pastimes. He was known for his comebacks, nicknaming skills, and was “one of a kind”! You could not get much past him in life. Being the “life of the party”, was just one more thing that made him special.
Keith is survived by his wife, Pat Stringer. They loved their late-night talks where he would share with her that “He didn’t know that someone could love him so much.” He is also survived by his daughter, Misti Stogner (Shelby); his son, Robbie Stringer (Amy); his sister, Margie Teston (Dale); and two stepdaughters, Melissa Stringer (Neil) and Brittany Moore. He will be missed by his surviving eight grandchildren, Logan Barber (Rachel), Drake Moore, Hayden Stringer, Dalton Stringer, McKenzie Stringer, Sadie Stringer, Adalyn Speaker, and Annslee "Squash" Speaker; and two great-grandchildren, Bennett and Hadlee.
There will be a visitation for Keith at New Hope Baptist Church on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. The funeral service, officiated by Dr. Jerry Watts will be at the church on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Lott Cemetery. Brad Harris, Terry Pounds, Drake Moore, Doyle Magee, Randy Hammond, Jay Williams, and Dalton Stringer will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Wallace, Brent Slocum, Larry McNabb, Randy Crain, Mike McKenzie, BJ Clark, and Ed Watson.
