Perry Barnhill, Sr. was born on February 29, 1952, to the late Cornelius “Neil” and Victoria Leola Barnhill in Thomasville, GA. He peacefully transitioned on April 27, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

He was a man devoted to his faith, serving with obedience and commitment. He dedicated his life to his family and to helping others in his community. In 1971, he began his career as a trackman with CSX Transportation, where he worked faithfully for 41 years until he retired in 2012. He later founded a lawn maintenance service, remaining reliable and committed to his customers for many years. He continued working until 2024, when his health began to decline.

He was a devoted member of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He always made sure that the interior of his church was immaculate, as well as the grounds of the church. In his spare time, he loved to fish and hunt as a sport he pursued earnestly. When you speak about legacy and devotion, he was the personification of those words.

In addition to losing his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Mack Barnhilll; sisters, Evelyn Thomas, Annie Doris McClain, June Mitchell, and Lula Mae Robinson.

His most unfortunate loss was three children, sons, Perry Barnhill, Jr., Cory L. Barnhill, and Patrick Barnhill. In the midst of all the losses, he never lost faith and taught the rest of his children how to remain strong and resilient. We are grateful to him for that the most. That was a strength, an encouraging nature. He will be forever missed and loved.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Carolyn D. Barnhill; daughter, Lashana Barnhill-Williams (Gerard); four sons, Deacon Timothy T. Barnhill (Tronda), Keith S. Barnhill (Coretta), Travis Clark (Tonya) and Cornelius Barnhill ; daughter in law, Veronica Barnhill (Patrick); sisters in law, Rebecca Payen and Vivian McIntyre; brothers in law, Alfred McIntyre, Ricky McIntyre (Mattie) and Curley McIntyre; special and devoted cousins, Joe Robinson, Dean Robinson, Chester Robinson, and Hazel Jones. He also leaves to mourn a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.