By Staff
Barfield enjoys playing Dominoes at SAIL Center
By Adrienne McKenzie
(This week The Atmore Advance spotlights 86-year-old Murdick Barfield. Barfield has had a lifetime of working at various places, including the state road department in Panama City, Fla. He now enjoys visiting the Atmore SAIL Center where he socializes with his friends and plays games, including Dominoes.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born in Wausau, Fla. on Jan. 16, 1922.
Q: Did you grow up there?
A: I lived there until I got grown and went to work.
Q: Where is Wausau, Fla. located?
A: It’s about 12 miles south of Chipley, Fla.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: Harmless A. Barfield and Esther.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: I had one sister and she’s passed away.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: A two-room school house, but we only had one teacher. There were about 40 students with one teacher.
The first year we didn’t have a book and each one of us had a chart. And the teacher taught us up until the eighth grade.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: No, not really.
Q: Where did you work?
A: Well I started working with the state road department in Panama City, Fla. I worked there until they put in the shipyard. I worked there three or four months before I was drafted into the Army.
Then I started working at the state road department again. Then I worked at St. Regis Paper Company and then I got laid off.
I did carpenter work around Penscacola, Fla. and around here.
Then I got a job back at St. Regis for 15 years. Then I put in for manager at the credit union and I worked there 20 years until I retired.
Q: How long were you in the Army?
A: About three years. I was in World War II.
Q: Did you ever marry?
A: I got married in 1946.
Q: What’s your wife’s name?
A: Norma Bernice.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: Two children; Donald R. and Diane Baker.
Q: Where do they live?
A: Donald lives in Pensacola and Diane lives in Bratt, Fla.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren?
A: Yes, I have four.
Q: Do you have any great grandchildren?
A: Yes, I have three.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: Shiloh Freewill Baptist in Bratt.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: This (coming to the SAIL Center) mostly right here. I got to where I can’t hardly do anything.
I come to the SAIL Center and I do my yard work.
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: I’m not sure I have a favorite. I guess I watch the news mostly on Channel 3 and CNN.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Never smoke or drink and try to eat healthy.
(If you would like to recommend a senior to be spotlighted please contact Adrienne McKenzie at 368-2123 or e-mail her at lifestyles@atmoreadvance.com)