Gary Leon Barkley

Born on July 5, 1934, Gary was the son of Roy L. and Hollen Hargrove Barkley (deceased), in Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from Memphis State University and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was an active member of Memphis State’s alumni for many years and an enthusiastic fan of the Memphis Tigers’ football and basketball teams.

Gary was an avid golfer, as a member of Ravenwood Country Club for many years, who enjoyed playing with his golf friends as often as he could. However, his greatest joy in life was being the biggest fan of his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren’s sports teams, musical talents, and dance performances.

Gary is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sue Atkinson Barkley. He is also survived by his sister, Gail Barkley Nicar of Newport Richey, Florida; His daughters, Karen Barkley Thomson (Gary) and Carol Barkley Rutledge; his four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Eric and Dan Thomson, Lindsey Rutledge (Andrew, Camden, and Hope), and Darbey Rutledge (Chaz Kossa; and Everly, Jax Leon, and Ivy).

There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Hermitage Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home. Following the service, Gary will be laid to rest in the Garden of Faith at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.

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