Mr. Barney L. Bairfield, 82, peacefully left his earthly home on Friday, February 2, 2024. Barney was born on January 25, 1942, the oldest son of Leslie "Duck" Bairfield and Hilda Rae Welch Bairfield. He was a lifelong resident of Simpson County and a member of Jupiter Baptist Church.
Barney attended Pinola High School, where he was a member of the football and basketball teams. Upon graduation in 1960, he began a career in construction. Through his hard work and determination, he became a well-respected and successful business owner of Hemphill Construction.
One of Barney's hobbies was car racing. For years, he traveled across the South competing as a driver in the drag racing circuit. Being a businessman with a great passion for racing, he envisioned bringing fun, family entertainment to Simpson County. In 1990, his vision became a reality when he opened the gates of Simpson County Motorsports Park. Some years later, he acquired and reopened Jackson Motor Speedway in Byram, MS.
Upon retirement, Barney enjoyed many years traveling across the country with his loving wife, Barbara. The two of them made many friends and wonderful memories in their travels together. When at home, he could be found sitting on his back porch alongside Barbara.
Barney is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Barbara Ann Mott Bairfield; daughters, Donna Massey, Melissa (Jack) Torrence, Michelle (Tom) Brooks; sons, Michael (Holly) Bairfield and Barney "Lee" Bairfield Jr. He was beloved Pappy to Kristin (Donald) Berry, Karli (Davis) McGinnis, Justin (Stephanie) Waltman, Jamie (William) Lake, Brittney Bairfield, Brennan Bairfield, Barney "Leebo" (Lauren) Bairfield, III, Conner (Candace) Bairfield, Kaylee (Jose) Silvan, Ty (Tiffany) Brooks, Valorie (Casey) Barlow and 21 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers, Leslie Bairfield, Bobby Bairfield and Earnest Bairfield.
Barney was preceded in death by his father, Leslie "Duck" Bairfield; mother, Hilda Rae Welch Bairfield; and brother, Charles Bairfield.
Visitation was held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Tutor Funeral Home in Mendenhall, MS, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6, at the funeral home, officiated by Bro. Danny Powell and Bro. Roger Lee. Interment followed at Jupiter Cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to Tutor Funeral Home of Mendenhall.
