Lt.Colonel Burnell "Barney" LeRoy Albers

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Burnell “Barney” Albers, a cherished resident of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at the age of 95. His life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and love.

Barney's early years were marked by the hardships of the Great Depression and dust storms in Nebraska. Despite these challenges, he embodied the resilience and determination of his generation, always finding ways to persevere and thrive.

From humble beginnings as a farm boy, Barney’s deep sense of duty and hard work led him to join the United States Air Force, where he excelled in officer training school. His 24-year career as an Electronic Intelligence Warfare Officer was distinguished by bravery, skill, and an unwavering commitment to his country. Barney served with distinction in Korea and completed eighty-nine missions in Vietnam. He flew in various aircraft, including the B-26, B-66, and B-52, showcasing his versatility and expertise

Following his military retirement, Barney pursued higher education, graduating from the University of South Carolina with a BS in Accounting. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open the first computer store for Tandy Corp. in the upstate, and he later became a small business owner, operating Mailboxes Etc. in Greenville, SC.

Barney was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Simpsonville, SC, where he found joy in volunteering to support the campus building and facility’s needs. His favorite pastimes included spending cherished moments with his family, golfing, storytelling, gardening, and growing the best tomatoes.

Barney was preceded in death by his beloved parents Theadore Albers and Florence Golter Albers, his two brothers, Jerry Albers and Denny Albers and his grandson, Bobby Tanner.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, survived by his loving wife of seventy-one years, Sue Albers, his devoted son Tim (Candy) Albers, his cherished daughters Ramonia (Lawson) Jowers, Cindy (Avery) Baldwin, and Lisa (Larry) Trn, his sister Beverly Gamar Farley, his beloved brother in-law David (Dorthy) Gray, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Barney was the best husband, dad, and grandpa, whose love and wisdom will be deeply missed. His spirit will live on in our hearts forever, reminding us of the incredible person he was.

As Barney often reflected, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7). These words perfectly capture the essence of his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

A visitation for Barney will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2820 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29681. A funeral service will occur Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM, 2820 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29681. A committal service will occur Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Graceland East Memorial Park, 2206 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations in Barney’s memory to the Wounded Warriors Project, honoring his dedication to service and his unwavering support for fellow veterans. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org