Joseph "Barney" Wainwright was born on October 3, 1944, in Nahunta, Ga, to Samuel William and Winnie Walker Wainwright. Barney was the seventh child of fourteen siblings. Affectionately known as "Cowboy" to his friends and family growing up, you could always find him wearing cowboy boots and out on the farm. Barney was your typical country boy, often wandering off into the woods to explore and leaving his family worried. Barney's brothers and sisters have laughed through the years, sharing stories of the family searching for him in the woods he explored, once causing his grandmother to ring the dinner bell for hours in hopes he'd follow it back home, and another of his brothers finding him fallen and trapped in a stump hole. As a young boy, Barney was struck by lightning during a family gathering, miraculously surviving after being unconscious for a short time. And even still, Barney loved family gatherings.

Barney moved to Live Oak in the 8th grade with his dad, stepmother Elizabeth, and siblings. In Live Oak, his family established a farm that became the family business. He enjoyed working on the farm, harvesting tobacco and corn. Barney enjoyed playing football and working out with his brothers throughout his childhood. Soon after settling in Live Oak, Barney met the love of his life, Eula Thompson (Tommie Lou). Barney liked her first, but she took some persuading to return the feelings. Eventually, Barney and Tommie Lou were married on September 22, 1961, and welcomed their first child, Susan Deanette (Dena) on May 20, 1962. Their only daughter, Dena, would remain a lifelong Daddy's Girl and the apple of his eye. They soon welcomed three boys: Joseph Barney, Jr, on January 13, 1964, Donald William on January 12, 1966, and Jason Brent on February 16, 1969. Barney took tremendous pride in his sons throughout his life. Barney was a skilled craftsman and built a career as a meticulous contractor. He took immense care in building his family's homes and the large dining table they all sat around every Sunday.

Barney, Tommie Lou, and their children were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1976. Barney's life was led by faith and centered around the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as he spent many years serving in the Orlando Temple and numerous church callings. He formed some of his most cherished friendships with those he served alongside. Barney was always eager to share the gospel with his friends and family, creating a precious tradition of gifting his grandchildren with their first set of scriptures at each of their baptisms, complete with a handwritten note from "Papa".

Barney and his siblings continued their longstanding tradition of an extended family reunion every year on his father's birthday, July 4th. He hosted his famous "Cane Grinding" at his home annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. There, his beloved mules, Buck and Julie, would wind the cane wheel for juice as Barney spent the day cooking cane syrup, enjoying fellowship with his friends and family, and offering rides on his old-fashioned buggy pulled by his mules. He relished in family gatherings and having his family near him. Barney enjoyed the "country life" and took great pride in growing his gardens, working with his brahman cows, peacocks, chickens, and numerous other animals.

Barney is survived by his wife of 63.5 years, Tommie Lou, his four children: Dena (Larry) Lewis, Barney (Debbie) Wainwright, Don (Dena) Wainwright, Brent (Dana) Wainwright, 24 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren. Although Barney had 64 grandchildren in total, he thoughtfully developed a personal relationship with each one. His grandchildren are left with the cherished memories of time spent at Dekle Beach fishing, setting crab traps, paddle boating around the canals, cross-country road trips, working alongside him in his garden, and Sunday dinners after church. Barney's legacy will live on through his family, who will greatly miss his presence on this earth.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and sisters, and one grandson, Joseph Lewis. Barney had profound faith in his Savior Jesus Christ and in the promise that 'Families Are Forever'. As the patriarch of a large family, his guidance and love will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in the knowledge that we will be reunited with him again.

Family will receive guests for viewing on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 6-8:00 pm at the home of Barney & Tommie Lou, 6248 147th Rd, Live Oak, Fl. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Live Oak, FL. Followed by procession to the family gravesite located at 6248 147th Rd, Live Oak, Fl. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

Please keep the family in your prayers and sign the online guestbook.