Willis Heath Barkley

Raleigh - As Heaths beloved New York Yankees battled for a wild card playoff, he continued his battle with cancer. Remembering Jim Valvanos famous words, Don’t give up, don’t ever give up, Heath fought hard each and every day after his diagnosis. On a beautiful fall afternoon, Heaths hands reached skyward as his guardian angel and mother, Sandra Willis Barkley, grasped his hands and soul to guide him to their heavenly home. Preceded in death by his mother, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Ethel Mama Ethel Myers Willis of Shelby; father, Fred J. Barkley; brother, Ian Patrick Barkley and wife Shiloh Ileen; great aunts, Mable Gay of Isle of Palms, SC, Rae Ruppe of Rutherdfordton, and Edna Lutz of Wilmington; and great uncle Tommy Myers of Richmond, VA. Other survivors include aunts, Debbie Vance of Jacksonville, Fla., Susan Hester of Lincolnton, Teena Lutz and Jane Culver of Wilmington. Uncles include Jerry Barkley of Mooresville, David Barkley and wife Ann of Wilmington, and Hewie Champion of Lawndale. Heath graduated from Broughton High, and attended N.C. State University. He was a lawn & landscape proprietor. He was an avid Yankees fan and sports buff from a young age. Baseball stats and other sports were his hobby as well as collecting baseball cards. Special loves were his many friends, numerous cousins, and his two dogs, Pink and Floyd. The family thanks Dr. Mark Yoffe, Dr. Allison Casey, the staff of the N.C. Cancer Center, and God for giving Heath an extra 12 years to be with us. Thanks also to Rex 5th floor east wing staff for their gracious care. Heath was blessed by the loving care of the staff of Hospice of Wake County. Lifelong family friend and special nurse, Virginia Strickhouser of Harrisburg, supported our family throughout his cancer battles over the years. Special flowers are given by Mr. & Mrs. Ed Bailey and Mary Jackson. In lieu of other flowers, the family asks that donations be given in Heaths honor to the ‘Jimmy V’ Foundation, Hospice of Wake County, or your favorite charity. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, October 3rd , at 2 o’clock at Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC. Arrangements have been made by Ray Seigler with Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry, SC and Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh.