Mr. Bernice Ray Barfield, age 86 of Tarboro, passed away at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital on January 6, 2018. Bernie "BB" was born on July 7, 1931 in Wilson County to the late Robert Carl Barfield and Lillie Agnes Pittman Barfield.

Bernie served in the North Carolina National Guard for 11 years and worked 47 years as an electrician. He was very active in the Layman League of his church and served as treasurer. He also was a member of the church building committee and ushered until disabled. Bernie was instrumental in the construction of the First Free Will Baptist Church by providing electrical services for two years until the church was completed. He continued to provide electrical services after suffering a stroke. As a result of his dedication to his church, his light will continue to shine as his church family looks around them.

Bernie loved his family, church, church family and Pastor. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Betty Glenn Barfield, son, Aubrey Kent Barfield, four sisters and four brothers. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Janice Butler Barfield, son, Randy Barfield and wife, Cindy, of Wilson, step-daughter, Ginger Caison and husband, Mel, of Nashville, step-son's Glenn Butler of Elm City, Robbie Butler and wife, Kathy, of Texas, Danny Butler and fiancé, Baileigh, of Tarboro, daughter- in-law, Marsha Barfield of Kenly, 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Bernie's Life will be held in the First Free Will Baptist Church Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 11 Am with the Rev Stanley Buck officiating. The family will receive friends Monday night from the hours of 6 until 8 Pm at Carlisle Funeral Home and other times at the home. The interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson , NC after the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Carlisle Funeral Home, 701 Hospital Drive, Tarboro, NC 27886. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlislefuneralhome.com