William "Bill" Junior Barton

Mr. William Junior Barton, 89, of Smyrna, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Born in Corbin, Kentucky on Sunday, December 23, 1934 to the late William Lawrence and Anna (Brewer) Barton, William quickly got introduced to man's fallibility and God's power. When the doctors misunderstood "Junior" as his middle name rather than his suffix, his family quickly adopted it for a nickname. Being the baby of 8 children meant that "Junior" fit William in more ways than one. It didn't take long for Junior to stand out for his unique personality and talents, but there were a few things where he kept to the Barton family tradition — service, church, and family.

Service showed up in different ways amongst the Barton family, but growing up during World War II, Junior decided to make it a point to serve his Country. Getting William and Anna to sign off, Junior joined the United States Air Force in August 1952, just 4.5 months shy of his 18th birthday. His potential was recognized almost right off the bat, and Junior got sent to aircraft school at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. From there, he went on to serve in France as a Flight Engineer on a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, ending his service in May 1956.

Coming back to the States, Junior showed his family the military only peaked his interests but didn't change his core values. Junior loved the Church and loved God, and you could pick him out by the clothes he wore. A suit and cowboy boots were his signature look, but even more so, people knew him by his heart. Junior was passionate and on fire for God, and he would share his testimony whether he was speaking or singing. Once he got to testifying, Junior couldn't keep still, but he moved people as much as he got to moving.

His genuine nature attracted many friends over the years, but Junior remembered one friend in particular very fondly. This friend had set Junior up to go on a double date with him. When the young gentlemen met their dates, they decided they wanted to swap, and that is when Miss Patsy Moore Davis came into Junior's life. Their love was pure and true from the time they laid eyes on one another, and Junior wasted no time in making sure Patsy knew his intentions.

They were married on October 13, 1957, and with a more grown up responsibility, Patsy decided to give him a more grown up nickname, "Bill." They settled into married life, and their love grew each day. When it reached the point of being too much for just two people to contain, Bill and Patsy decided to expand their family. It was with joy in their hearts that they welcomed each child into the world.

Each one was a blessing in their own way, and Bill and Patsy loved them dearly. The greatest way they felt they could show that love was by raising their children, not just know Jesus, but also to have a relationship with Him. They raised by setting the examples in their lives and keeping their children actively involved in church. Music was Bill's teaching aid of choice, and the children grew up singing and playing instruments as a family. 

Bill played guitar and sang, and if there was a revival, The Barton Family was sure to be in the midst of it. Even when the kids grew up and got married, Bill made sure to welcome them into the Barton Family medley. Yet, not everything was harmonious throughout Bill and Patsy's life together. Losing their daughter, Terri, as an infant and their son, Gary, as an adult were trials that pierced their hearts. Through it all though, they relied on God's grace and mercy to carry them through the storms.

God's providence was clear to Bill throughout their lives, especially in his preparation to becoming a husband and a father. Back as a boy, Bill made the decision to leave high school before graduating. In turn, the Air Force not only helped him get his diploma but also gave him specialized training through the aircraft school. Those led Bill to land a job working at AVCO, and he remained there for many years. 

Again, Bill's genuine nature set him apart. He ended his career at AVCO as an aviation Inspector in Quality Control, but throughout all of those years, the Barton family was blessed. They were never the wealthiest family by any means, but they were rich in love and care. Bill made sure he provided for his family what they needed in life and set the example of hard work, dedication, passion, endurance, and devotion.

Junior's journey through this life may have began on December 23, 1934, but for Bill, it began on October 13, 1957. For 66 years, 3 months, and 2 days, he had the privilege to love and be loved by Patsy. Their journey on this earth together may have ended on January 14, 2024, but Bill gave his children one last lesson of love and faith before he was called home. He got in one last kiss with Patsy and spent the some of his last minutes with Patsy praying at his side.

In addition to his parents, William is preceded in death by his daughter, Terri Gail Barton; son, Gary Wayne Barton; and his siblings, Donna Edna (Charles) Lawless, Edith Francis (James) Terry, Arlis Edgar (Mildred) Barton, James E. (Ruby) Barton, Walter W. (Betty) Barton, Grover Ray Barton, and Vernon Glen Barton.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy (Davis) Barton of Smyrna; daughter, Sheila (Rick) Mitchell of Smyrna; son, Darrell (Sandra) Barton of Woodbury; five grandchildren, April (Phillip) Davenport, Ryan Mitchell, Rebekah Luck, Amanda (Johnathan) Allen, and Melissa (Thomas) Hutchins; and five great grandchildren, Phillip Davenport, Caleb Davenport, Zachary Luck, Seth Hutchins, and Landon Hutchins. 

The family held private services before laying their beloved husband, daddy, and PaPaw to rest in Riverside Garden.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story