Bennie Loyd Barnard of Braxton, MS passed away peacefully at home on May 9th at the age of 88, leaving behind family, friends, and a community who absolutely adored him.

Born on July 14, 1937, in Smith County, MS, Bennie (lovingly referred to as “Shorty”) never met a stranger, and his personality was as big as he was tall. He proudly served in the United States Air Force before retiring from Anderson Box Company in Mendenhall. After retirement, he never slowed down and owned H&B Poultry Supply and Pine Knob Farms.

Bennie had a deep love for Gum Springs Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as Chairman of the Deacons. He loved auctions, his garden, and mowing his grass at every opportunity. More than anything, he loved and took immense pride in his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie David Barnard and Bertie Wells Barnard; siblings, James Barnard, Opal Barnard Walker, Mary Barnard Tanner, Sue Barnard Spangler, Wardell Barnard, and Pete Barnard.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Arlene Barnard; brother, Kenny Barnard (Kathi); son Dean Barnard (Angie), daughters, Shelia Welch (Jimmy), Shea Seghini (Chris); grandchildren, Shasta Welch, Jason Welch (Steven), Blake Barnard, Dalton Gibson, Alex Gibson, Alex Seghini, and Emerson Seghini; great grandchildren, Max Swain, Lynden Barnard, Paxton Barnard, Everlei Barnard, and Brady Gibson.

Visitation will be held on May 12 from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM at Gum Springs Baptist Church, with funeral services at 12:00 PM. Graveside services will immediately follow at Old Gum Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gum Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in memory of Bennie Barnard.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com