Bobby Joe Barrentine, 76, of Ackerman, died May 2, 2021, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Eupora. Mr. Barrentine was a longtime educator in the Festus R-6 School District in Missouri and an assistant principal with the Louisville School System in Mississippi. He was a deacon and member of Chester Baptist Church; a member of the Festus-Crystal City Lions Club, and a member of the Shekinah Masonic Lodge. Born on December 31, 1944, he was the son of the late Norman Floyce Barrentine and Sarah Ellen (Dean) Barrentine.
He is survived by his wife: Betty (McCafferty) Barrentine of Ackerman; two sons: Roger Alan (Dana) Barrentine of Hillsboro, Missouri, and Timothy Ryan Barrentine of St. Peters, Missouri; two brothers: Jimmy (Allene) Barrentine of Hattiesburg and John (Nancy) Barrentine of Vancleave; two sisters: Ruby (the late Zelma) McKnight of Gautier and Betty (the late Freddie) McKnight of Pascagoula; three grandchildren: Samantha Barrentine, Landry Barrentine, and Bobby Barrentine of Hillsboro, Missouri; one brother in law: John David (Lynn) McCafferty of Eupora and one sister in law: Syble Weeks of Mathiston; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: James (Jetty) Barrentine of Teague, Texas, and Billy Dean (Mary Alice) Barrentine of Bentonia, Miss.; one sister: Nancy (Roy) Benton of Weatherford, Texas; and four grandparents.
Known by many simply as "Mr. B," he was beloved as a teacher, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Bob came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. He loved a simple life including rescuing stray animals, working outside on his farm, sharing produce from his garden, volunteering at church, teaching Sunday school, and watching sports on TV.
One of the most important things to him was his family and their well-being. His grandchildren brought him great pleasure, and he reveled in their accomplishments and successes.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 7, from noon -2 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, Miss. Services, conducted by Pastor Rob Faulk, will be held immediately following at the funeral home with a graveside service and interment at the Bowles Family Cemetery in Bywy. The family is requesting that masks be worn at the visitation and services.
In lieu of flowers, the family has kindly requested that memorials be made to Chester Baptist Church, 177 West Road, Ackerman, MS 39735 or the Bowles Family Cemetery, c/o Betty Barrentine, 3625 Bywy Road, Ackerman, MS 39735.