William Thomas Barefoot
October 18, 1948 ~ March 14, 2005
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
WILLIAM THOMAS BAREFOOT
William Thomas Barefoot, 56, of 35 Queen
Road, Candler, died Monday, March 14, 2005, at his home.
He was the son of Betty Inez Barefoot of
Roseboro, NC and the late William Roy Barefoot. He was a US
Air Force veteran and was employed as a Regional Manager
for Rural Development with the US Department of Agriculture.
He was an avid tennis player and a member of the
Hendersonville Racquet Club. He was a member of West
Asheville Baptist Church.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his
wife, Stephanie Zartman Barefoot; two daughters, Amie
Clement and her husband Jason of Holly Springs, NC and
Carrie Greig of Farmingdale, NY; one son Christopher Barefoot
and his wife Stephanie of Cary; one grandchild, McKenzie
Greig; and two sisters, Peggy Worcester and Betty Jo Taylor,
both of Roseboro, NC.
A funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral
Home with the Rev. G. Scott Lynch officiating. Interment will be
Saturday at Sunrise Cemetery in Roseboro, NC.
Mr. Barefoot’s family will receive friends
Wednesday at the funeral home immediately following the
service.
Dear Barefoot Family,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. He touched many people in the tennis community. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Michael & Leigh Patton
Tom was a fine leader, gentleman and noble partner with his many clients and friends at The Housing Assistance Corp. in Hendersonville, NC. He was a strong advocate and spokesman for affordable housing and the very low income community. We will miss genuineness.
Tom’s awesome grace when serving at tennis was surpassed only by his warm grace off the courts. I will truly miss him.
Tom was my Area Director but more than that I felt he was a friend. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Stephanie and his family.
It seems that Tom was too young and vibrant to leave this world so soon. But his family and friends know that Tom lived a full life-always hard at work or hard at play. As a legacy to Tom, let us take his passing as a gentle reminder that we should live our lives just as fully as he, and to take true joy and pleasure in our time with friends and family.
Dear Barefoot Family,
I only met Tom about a year ago, but he always treated me with such kindness on and off the court, we played men’s double’s together in league and he was always complimentary on the court. I enjoyed talking with him on many occassions, I will truly miss seeing and talking with him during the many different tennis tournaments. My prayers go out to you during your time of lost. God Bless
Victor Johnson
Shephanie and family,
Tom was a true friend and we will miss him dearly. Tom was a gentleman with integrity and his life is an example for others to follow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now.
Tom & Char
Dear Barefoot family we are sorry to hear about the loss of uncle Tom. He was a good man and will be missed dearly. He is gone to a better place and will be waiting on us when we get to heaven. Love you all.
Barefoot Family, I would like to express how sorry i am for your loss. Carrie i know how much he loved your little girl, last time i saw him he showed me pictures and said how he could not wait to see you both. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
My love and prayers to you and the family. I know that Tom will be greatly missed. He was such a great people person, I know that those whose lives he touched will never forget him. I know that I will always have wonderful memories of working with him.
Tom was very instrumental in helping our fire dept. obtain a much needed fire truck from New York. He also assisted in finding used equipment that our dept. might need. He will be missed by all. May God use him in a mighty way.
Phil Bowman Jr.
Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Dept.
Murphy, N.C.
Stephanie and Family,
Tom lived his life like he hit the tennis ball…fast, furious and full of fun! We’ll miss his contagious enthusiasm and wonderful sense of humor both on and off the court. You are in our thoughts and prayers….
Pete & Mary Landry
Mrs. Barefoot:
I send you my honest prayers for you and your family. May your precious memories of Tom sustain you in the days ahead of you.
Dianne Belcher
USDA Rural Development
Technician, Rockingham
Tom was a great person and friend who loved to smile and dance and have a lot of fun – remember the wine tasting party? We will truly miss him.
We’re neighbors of Chris and Stephanie in Cary and we are truly sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and minds.
Our deepest sympathy.
Juergen & Jo
Dear Barefoots,
Our hearts are grieving for your loss. We really enjoyed getting to know Tom over the past few years through our most precious friends, Chris and Steph. Tom was such a dear, sweet man and he had such great love for his family. His legacy continues on in the wonderful, God-loving children he and Stephanie raised. We know he will be greatly missed. Praise God we know that he is at his eternal home in heaven with his Maker. We love you and are praying for you. God Bless all of you.
Carrie and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! May God be with you now and in the days ahead.
Stephanie,
I was so sorry to hear about Tom. May God be with you in this time of grief. If you need anything please call.
Loretta
We appreciate all of the assistance and support that Tom gave to us during our USDA grant application. Through his help Haywood County has a wonderful new resource center (Mountain Area Resource Center – sponsored by Haywood County Council on Aging). Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. May God Bless You.
Dear Stephanie and family, Will has just emailed me about Tom’s death. It is hard to imagine such a dear and vibrant friend is gone. Your family meant so much to ours at Mt. Zion. You are all still so alive in our memories. I’m sorry we did not know in time to come to the visitation. We will be calling you. WE LOVE YOU!!!
My deepest sympathy to Tom’s family in his loss. I work at the Soil and Water office down the hall from Tom’s RD office. He was, during the four years I have known him, always polite, always a gentleman and most professional. I will remember his humor, his stopping by my door on his way out to ask if I would like him to lock the outside door, and his pleasant manner when we would see each other coming or going in the parking lot. He will be missed — we are all stunned.
I just heard about Tom, and am very sorry. He was a super guy, and I enjoyed being around him. We played golf together and joked about the quality of our play for years. My deepest condolences. Mike
My learning of Tom’s death was a sorrow felt surprise. My sympathy goes to you Stephanie and to all the members of your family. My prayers are with you and may God comfort you. Tom will be missed by many including Rural Development. I am proud to have known and worked with Tom in Rural Development. He was a dedicated professional, a good person and someone that I always considered to be my friend. I will miss him but I will always remember him.
Stephanie, Chris, Amie, and Carrie,
I was very shocked to hear of Tom’s passing and will certainly keep you in my prayers. I have many wonderful memories of spending time with your family and am ever grateful for your presence in my life.
Carrie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, and am even more sorry that I just recently heard about it. Your Dad was great and was very proud of you. I got to know him better not too long ago, he was a patient at a doctors office that I worked at. He will be missed.
Leigh-Anna Hicks
Stephanie & family,
We are so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you & your family the strength to get through your time of grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless You,
Larry & Noreen Sulkowski & Family
Stephanie, Chris, Amie, Carrie and families, We were saddened to hear about Tom’s death. We have great memories of Tom and each of you while you were at Mt. Zion. We are sorry that we will not be able to see you during the receiving and service; but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May God bless you during this most difficult time. Love, Martha & Auray
Dear Stephanie: Ed and I just heard about Tom. We are so sorry and you and the children, and grandchildren, are in our thoughts and prayers. Over the years, we have enjoyed our fond memories of Asheville and the two of you were certainly a part of that. Stay strong like I know you are, and
know that God is with you each step of the way. Much love, Cindy
and Ed Dawson
sorry to hear of you lose he was a good man and i know he will be missed MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP THE FAITH HIS IS WITH GOD NOW
I knew Tom through tennis. I loved having him for a partner. He was equally fun to play against. He played hard. Always fair–a classy guy on the court. I’ll miss him but I’m glad I had a chance to know him. God bless you and your family.
Tom was my friend and I will miss him.May the Lord bless and keep your family in this time of great sorrow!
Sorry we can not be with you. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
The Town of Hot Springs was sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Barefoot. He has helped so many and will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Town of Hot Springs, NC
Stephanie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Tom’s contagious enthusiasm and energy will be greatly missed by all.
Bob and Sharon Purcell
dear family, i was sadden to hear of the loss of tom. carrie i remember many softball games when he would cheer us on. know that my thoughts, love and prayers are with you. he will and is greatly missed
Tom will be missed as a co-worker and friend at the Waynesville Service Center. I’ll always remember his smile and friendly attitude. We keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.
I was so saddened when I heard of Tom’s death. What a great loss for your family, friends and work associates. I will always remember the good times we shared during the years you were at Mt. Zion. Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and the days ahead.
Stephanie & Family:
I sadden to hear about your loss.Just rest assure that God doesn’t give anything we can’t handle. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will be glad to help with anything we can.
Brandy Creasman – Legal Resources
Stephanie,
We heard from Steve at work this morning about Tom. I am so sorry. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything anyone here at Ball, Barden & Bell can do to help you. God Bless You. Sandi Plemmons
Stephanie,
I remember Tom as a person who deeply cared about people. He was very caring, kind, and would do anything to help you out. I will remember Tom on the tennis court,as in life giving 110%.Tom was special, and will be missed.
May God bless your family in this hour of need.
Jud Etherton
On behalf of the staff and County Committee of the Buncombe County USDA/Farm Service Agency, please accept our sincere condolences for Tom’s death. We are shocked and saddened by it, but will remember him as a fine gentleman and an outstanding example of what a civil servant should be.
With sympathy,
Christopher R. West
County Executive Director
Stephanie, Chris, Amie and Carrie,
It is hard for me to find appropriate words. I simply can not express the grief I feel personally and for each of you. You are all in my prayers and I just wanted you to know that.
Dear Mrs. Barefoot and family, I am very sorry to hear that Tom died. He was a very warm-hearted person and I’ll miss seeing his friendly face at work. Many times when I get here early, the front door’s locked and he’d come let me in. We’re thinking of y’all and sending you the caring that he showed us.
Stephanie, Chris, Amy, Carrie and family:
I was so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. I will always remember him as such a blessing to me and many others in your years at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Bolick Wooten
Stephanie & family,
Our hearts go out to you in this devastating loss. Tom was a great friend and co-worker. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Donna & Terry
We will surely miss him at the Athens Drive High School games. He was such a positive and influencial supporter of his son, Chris, and all of the young men of the varsity soccer team. We are thinking of the family and are willing to do anything in support of the family during this time of unexpected grief. With love and appreciation, we are really sorry…
Kay, J.D. and Daniel Fish
Carrie,
I was so sorry to hear about your father. I remember him being at so may of our softball games during our Sugar Jet days. He was always there to cheer us on and was always so proud of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Stephanie,
There are no words that will ease your grief but hopefully the thoughts and prayers of your friends and family will help. You know how much we loved and admired Tom. I think his passing has affected Alex more than he will say. Tom was a fine example of a loving husband and father who left fond memories with all he met. We shall miss him dearly. Friends such as Tom as very hard to let go but he will always be in our hearts and therefore never forgotten. You are in our thoughts and our hearts go out to you and the children. We love you.
I am very sorry to hear of Toms passing, he was a joy to be around, a great father, always treated me with kindness and made me feel welcome in the Barefoot home. My prayers and sympathy go out to the whole family.
In the 10 years that the Barefoot family has been a part of my life, I have grown to love them as a part of my own family. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tom. The fond memories of Tom’s kindness, intelligence, sense of humor and his overall contagious spirit will never be forgotten. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I love you all.
Stephanie – I was so sorry to hear of the death of your husband. I know he will be terribly missed. I haven’t seen you in a long time, but I wanted you to know that all of us here at Stewart Title are thinking of you and your family at this time.
Sherri McCoy, John Dillard, Kelly Walker, Tammie Embler, Debra Sprinkle, Kelly Thurman, Amy Abee
Stephanie, I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was such a nice and fun man. After working with you at Ball Barden and then getting to do some work with him while I was working with the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians, I felt like I really got a chance to follow your special family through the years. I want to come see you and give you a great big hug. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your kids and their families. Give me a call if you want to at 421 4811 (my cell), and I will call you soon. Take good care of yourself.
Cindy Harbin Holman
I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a good friend and always had a kind word to say. I’ll miss him on the tennis courts.
To all of the Barefoot family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers this week and will continue to be. I have fond memories of Mr. Barefoot and the warmth and camaraderie shared by your family.
In deepest sympathy,
Alice Adeimy
Dear Stephanie & family,
We were saddened and shocked to
learn of Tom’s passing. We have many happy memories of your years at Mt. Zion and have thought about you often during the years. Your
family was a wonderful Christian
example for us as new members of the church. Please know that you
will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sharon, Richard and Todd McDowell
Stephanie and children:
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss.
GOD called home one of HIS best and brightest. He will be missed by so many. I and all who know him mourn. You are in my prayers.
Stephanie,
I am so saddened by Tom’s passing and I too know that he lived life to the fullest. He was always sharing his words of wisdom and encouragement to us at Rural Development. May the warm memories of him help to brighten your saddest days. May God give you Peace and comfort.
I work in the Farm Service Agency in Haywood County and enjoyed having Tom just down the hall from my office. I will miss him.
I worked down the hall from Tom and saw him regularly. He was my friend and I share in your loss. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May God Bless You, His Family–He spoke of you often and with such pride in his voice. Sharing stories of his granddaughter always brought a smile from ear to ear! ‘Death is simply a shedding of the physical body, like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon’ My prayers are with you, Kila
I went to Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Tom and Stephanie.
There will always be a big void in our lives without Tom. When I first found out that he would be may area director, I told him then that I always wanted to work for him. Having been with the agency for over 28 yrs., I’ve had the pleasure of both working with him and for him. Having also lost my husband 7 yrs. ago, he was so supportive to me and understanding. Thank you for sharing him with me and the other employees of Rural Development. Please if you ever need someone to talk to, give me a call. As I mentioned this in the card the office sent, I really mean it. I’m so sorry that I was unable to attend the service Wednesday as I’ve had several health problems lately. I almost used the word ‘challenges’, but I will always remember Tom when I use that word as it seemed that it was his ‘favorite.’ Sincerely, Barbara
I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He had a wonderful spirit, and I always enjoyed playing tennis with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He had a wonderful spirit, and I always enjoyed playing tennis with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
George and Lori Ellison
i really simpatize you (okey) take heart