James O. Barksdale

James Oliver Barksdale, the third of eight children, was born on August 1, 1944 to the late Henry Ford Barksdale and the late Dorothy Fowler, departed this life on Tuesday, November 19, 2013. James was educated in the public schools of South Carolina and attended the H.M. Sweeny Company where he obtained his certification in Heating and Plumbing. In his early adult years he worked for several construction companies and plumbing companies such as Johnny B Quick, Roto-Rooter, and JC Flood. He started his own business “Master Plumbing” which took off by storm in 1996. He retired in 2006. During his retirement, he enjoyed working at Home Away From Home CDC Inc. with his daughter, Dorothy Council. The children took to him, and referred to him as “Granddaddy”. James also enjoyed taking on jobs with his son, Michael Barksdale.

James united in Holy Matrimony to the late Dorothy Mae Harris Barksdale on May 4, 1965 at Solid Rock Baptist Church. To this union, eight children were added. James was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Mentor, and Friend. He loved everybody that he came in contact with. He enjoyed helping people whether they needed money for food, a ride, home repairs, a roof over their head, or just someone to listen and give advice. James only knew one sentence “I’ll be there in a minute”. The rest of his time he loved being with his family and friends. He loved taking trips and being a part of different churches. James was a very spiritual man. No matter what the problem may have been or how hard life may have seemed, he would always flash that day maker smile and say “If it’s meant to happen, God will make a way”.

James leaves to mourn and cherish his memory; three sons, James Oliver Barksdale Jr., Michael Earnest Barksdale and Willie Lee Barksdale.  Four daughters; Twins Dorris Barksdale and Dorothy Council, Sylvia Elizabeth Barksdale-Head, and Lynnette Cecelia Dunbar. Eighteen grandchildren; Kayla Lynn Barksdale, Michael Earnest Barksdale Jr., Bianca Sheree’ Barksdale, Harmony Barksdale, Labryah Gianni Griggs, Twins Christina Louise and Christine Mary Marrow, Khadijah Farrow, Christopher Lynch, Aniyah Dona’e Council, Ayanna De’Naya Council, Craig Elliott Barksdale, Courtney Delories Barksdale, Brittany Mildred Fletcher, Jamal Marcus-Cyprian Dunbar, Maurice Cyprian Dunbar III, Tionna-Mae Cyprian Dunbar, and Tya-Dorothea Cyprian Dunbar. Two God-grandsons; Rayford James Williams and Noah Braxton. Three God-granddaughters; Kayla Thompson, Nyah Gaddy, and Nadyah Braxton. Great Grandchildren; Zynasha and Yhonny Johnson, Carlysia Jenkins, Oshune Fletcher, and Dominique Harper. Great God-granddaughters;Jordan, Aaron, Adrian, Ryan, and Kylie Williams . Two son-in laws; Allen Darnell Council and Maurice Cyprian Dunbar II. One brother, Levoe Barksdale. Foursisters; Lizzie Ruth Rogers, Sylvia, Lila, and Laura Barksdale. As well as a host of nephews, nieces , relatives, and friends.