H. M. Barfield

H. M. Barfield, Jr. 85, of Hahira died Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at his home in Hahira. H. M. was born in Hahira on March 30, 1922 to the late Hurram Mason (Hum) Barfield and Lillian McNeal Barfield. In 1942 he joined the Army Air Corps and went on to serve his country in the China/India/Burma theatre with 383rd Air Service Group-flying the Hump- and then with the 24th Combat Mapping Squadron in India. He enjoyed attending reunions with both these squadrons.
After returning home he began running the family business that would eventually become Barfield Oil Company. H. M. had several other business ventures over the years, including Ne-Glow LP Gas Company, Holland Flying Service, Roadrunner Barbeque Restaurant, the King Bee Auto Sales and various real estate ventures. H. M. was awarded the first Days Inn franchisee opportunity when he sealed a deal to build the Days Inn in Hahira, a business arrangement he and Cecil Day signed on an envelope in the Days Inn Corporate office in Atlanta.
H. M. served his community in several capacities over the years. He is a life-long member of the Hahira United Methodist Church, Hahira Lions Club where he served as Deputy District Governor and Secretary of the Hahira Masonic Lodge. He also served the city of Hahira as a member of the city council and served the the 74th District in the State Legislature for seven years. He also served his profession as the President of the Georgia Oil Jobbers Association for two terms ands served as member of the National Oil Jobbers Council.
Along with being known for his “creative aeronautical and boating exploits”, he was also a keen fisherman. He could never remember a punch line, but his quickly made up responses were funnier than the originals. He seldom repeated a joke her had heard, but manufactured his own. One could never repeat his funny stories expecting a laughing response, only he could make them funny. He brightened the day with outlandish expressions and descriptions while manufacturing humor where depression existed. His creative sayings are repeated daily by family and friends and likely will find a place in Hahira folklore for years to come.
H. M. is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha Ann Gordon Barfield of Hahira, three children and their spouse, Kay Lee-Brown and Gary Brown of Covington, Lell and Peter Harboe of Tuxedo, NC., Mason and Elizabeth Barfield of Morrow, 11-grandchildren, Lydia and Braxton McMurphy, Duke, Martha and Catherine Lee, Leslie and Neal Brown, Nancy Owings, Ellen-Anne Harboe, Josh and Heather Barfield, Ryan and Jesse Barfield, three great grandchildren, Rivers and Braxton McMurphy and Mason Barfield, IV as well as numerous other friends and family including his friend of over 70 years, Dr. Jesse Parrott.
Funeral services will be held at 11am, Saturday, December 8, 2007 at the Hahira United Methodist Church with Rev. Ken Morgan and Rev. Lynn Hurley officiating. Burial will follow in the Friendship Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to the Hahira United Methodist Church, 100 E. Stanfill St., Hahira, GA 31632 or Georgia Sheriffs Boys Ranch, P. O. Box 100, Hahira, GA 31632. Martin/McLane Funeral Home of Hahira.


Funeral Home:
Martin/McLane Funeral Home
401 S. Church Street
Hahira, GA
US 31632