Charles Edward Barefield

Charles Edward Barefield, age 76, of Mentone, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 1, 2023, after a short battle with Lewy Body dementia.  Born on December 1, 1947 in Florala, Alabama, Charles was the son of Lorene and Byrd Barefield.  He graduated from Walton High School in 1965 and spent all of his life living in Walton County until moving to Mentone in 2020.  Charles was Baptist by faith.

Through his many years of teaching and coaching in Walton County, Charles greatly enriched the lives of countless students.  “Coach Barefield” is a familiar name to the many, many students who were blessed to know him.  His coaching included baseball at Walton High School and, his greatest joy, softball at Paxton School, and his teaching included ESE students, driver’s ed, and tutoring.

After his time serving in education, many will remember crossing paths with him at Consolidated Ace Hardware in DeFuniak. He spent many years working there and enjoyed the conversations and interactions with people each day.  When not at work Charles enjoyed hunting, playing golf, and watching sports – especially cheering on his Auburn Tigers.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lorene and Byrd Barefield.

Charles is survived by his wife of 49 years, Helen Watson Barefield, his sons: Brad Barefield (Celeste) of DeFuniak Springs and Kevin Barefield of Bluffton, South Carolina. He also leaves behind 3 grandchildren: Grant Barefield of DeFuniak Springs, Mary and Isabella Barefield of Bluffton, South Carolina.

A Celebration of Life for Charles is scheduled for Saturday, January 6, 2024, 2:00pm, at Anderson Farms Carriage House, 14475 US-331 North, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Paxton Athletics.

Donations made payable to Paxton School
Note ~ Paxton Athletics/In Memory of Charles Barefield
Mailed to: Paxton School
21893 US Hwy 331 North
Paxton, FL 32538