Severn – Joseph Welford "Holy" Barkley, 91, a lifelong resident of Severn, went to be with the Lord August 7, 2014. He was the only child of the late Russell J. and Vergie Worrell Barkley and was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Virginia Prince Barkley. Mr. Barkley was a lifelong member of Severn Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Deacons for many years. He was a graduate of Severn High School and served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He retired as Vice President and General Manager of Meherrin Agricultural and Chemical Company where he also served on the Board of Directors as Secretary for many years. Mr. Barkley was past president of the Southern Agricultural Chemical Association and was a former member of the Severn-Pendleton Ruritan Club.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons, Jody Barkley and wife, Lisa, of Ahoskie and Bruce Barkley and wife, Cindy, of Holly Springs and three grandchildren, Meredith, Kathleen, and Boone Barkley.

The funeral will be held at 3 PM Sunday, August 10, 2014 at the Severn Baptist Church, 305 Main Street, Severn, NC with the Rev. Mark Corbett and the Rev. John Dean officiating. Burial will follow in the Severn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 PM Saturday, August 9, at Wright Funeral Home, 32247 South Main St, Boykins, VA and suggest memorials be made to Severn Baptist Church, P. O. Box 502, Severn, NC 27877.