Obituary of Ray Joe Barefield

friends during this time. Mr. Barefield was a native of Dale County, the son of Theodosia Pippin Barefield and James Lewis Barefield. In 1940 Mr. Barefield served in the Civil Conservation Corps, working in Oregon; in July 1941 he joined the United States Army, serving in the European Theater during World War II and in the Korean Conflict, retiring after 21 years. While serving in the Army, he attained the rank of Staff Sargent, and received the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, European Campaign Medal (three battle stars), World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (two battle stars), United Nations Service Medal (Korea), and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. Following his military service, Mr. Barefield worked with Civil Service at Fort Rucker for 20 years. He was an active member and Deacon Emeritus at Post Oak Baptist Church. He was a member of the Ozark Masonic Lodge #349 and the National Association of Civil Service Employees. He was preceded in death by six sisters, Elease Carr, Donnie Ketchum, Lewie Stanton, Eva Powell, Allie Brown, and Nora Edwards, and one brother, Comer Barefield. Service Information