George W. “Buddy” Barnard passed away peacefully at home the evening of November third. Born in
Largo, Florida on July 25, 1936, Buddy called the city home for his entire life, except for a brief time of
service in the Army and a few years when the family lived in Arizona. Growing up in Largo, he attended
what would later become Mildred Helms Elementary School, receiving the honor of being named King of
the Sixth Grade by his fellow students. Always popular with many friends, he often recounted childhood
stories for his own children.
They couldn’t decide sometimes whether to feel shocked or amazed by
some his tales with friends Tommy Berry, Billy McAlister and Al Summerford.
As a young man, he was known for his baseball prowess, playing on various teams across the Tampa Bay
area including the American Legion and Largo High School. His popularity continued in high school,
especially with the young ladies. He was captain of the basketball team and King of the Prom. However,
only one special girl caught his eye and she kept it for his entire life. Buddy met Bonnie Bee Clark when
they were very young, only 13 and 15, yet they seemed destined to be soulmates. Buddy’s baseball
talents earned him an invitation to try out for the Panama City Fliers, a minor league baseball team.
After a long two weeks away from home, he returned to Largo to be with Bonnie. Married in May of
1954, they were partners and best friends for nearly 68 years.
Buddy touched many lives during his 85 years. In describing him, everyone, from family members and
childhood pals to newer friends all offered the same thoughts. Buddy was 100 percent genuine and
could share a conversation just as easily with a king as he could a homeless person. Position in life was
unimportant and irrelevant as he believed everyone’s story was as valuable as his own.
Buddy is survived by his wife and only love, Bonnie, daughter Terri and husband Ed, son Jeb and wife
Judy and their son Michael, brother Sinclair and wife Barbara of Chicago and numerous other relatives.
Flowers are welcome. Tributes can be made to www.spcatampabay.org in Buddy’s memory. He loved
his grand dog and grand cats dearly and wanted abandoned pets and strays to be helped.
God wrapped his arms around a gentle man and took him home to be free of pain
He will be missed. My love to his family.
Love Laura
You could not have asked for a better uncle than Uncle Buddy. Without a doubt, he was the best uncle a nephew could wish for. Especially in my younger years, he helped my brother and me with dealing with daily problems while our father was in Vietnam. And always, he dealt with problems with a fantastic sense of humor and taught me to deal with an issue without going bonkers. There was not one time that I did not enjoy being around him. I admire and respect his love for his family, but it did not stop there. He loved everyone and made this a better world to live in. Most of all, his love and devotion to my Aunt Bonnie taught me that true love is a real thing and not just a fantasy. As long as I’m alive, he will be alive because he is in my heart and soul as a human who loved life and will always be remembered for that very important lesson. I love you Uncle Buddy. I know you’re in a place of peace and joy and will be waiting for the rest of us to join you when it’s our time.
A very special brother and I will miss him. And he was a special brother-in-law to me . Someone you will never forget.
Buddy was a great and loyal friend. He will be missed so very much.
Buddy was the kind of man that would tell you the truth even if you didn’t want
Buddy was the kind of man that would tell you the truth even if you didn’t want to hear it I think that’s what they call today having no filter and I’m glad to have known him ,every thing seemed to be a little more fun when he was around.his passing makes me think of the song who’s going to fill there shoes by George Jones they don’t make men like Buddy any more and I’m proud to say he was my friend
Buddy was a special man. He was real up front he loved with real love
Words just can’t describe what I felt about my Uncle Buddy. He was a second father to me always helped me along the path of life. You might not always liked or wanted to hear what he told you but he was real and spoke the truth and always there any time of the day or night if we needed you.. You were such a great great uncle to all my kids and grandkids, they all love you so much. Uncle showed real love to anyone he came in contact with. I was at a loss this past Saturday because we would talk every Saturday morning about the football games and when my phone didn’t ring I just stared at it with tears running down my face.. I know uncle will be missed so much but Uncle you are not suffering and in a better place. Will love you forever and never forget you. My heart breaks ❤
WE WISH WE COULD HAVE KNOWN BUDDY AND BONNIE YEARS AGO. WE ARE THANKFUL THAT THOUGH BUDDY WAS IN FAILING HEALTH HE STILL CAME ACROSS AS A LOVING, GIVING, HELPING SOUL WITH A GIFT OF NATURAL OUTREACH TO OTHERS. HE ESPECIALLY HAD A HEART FOR CHILDREN. HE WAS A MAN OF NO PRETENSE JUST COMMON SENSE AND TRUTH DONE IN A LOVING WAY. HE WAS MY MASTER DETECTIVE WHO COULD TELL ME ABOUT LARGO AND ANY QUESTIONS. HE WAS MY EDITOR IN CHIEF IN MY ATTEMPTS AT HUMOR. HE WAS MY GARDENER CONSULTANT IN MY FEEBLE ATTEMPTS IN RAISING VEGETABLES. THAT WAS THE KIND OF MAN HE WAS. WE WILL MISS HIM TERRIBLY BUT KNOW HE WILL BREATHE FREELY IN HEAVEN AND AWAIT FOR OUR ARRIVAL.
Buddy was my very best friend from Kindergarten in the early 40s until now, and will be from now on. Over the years we were almost constantly together and often thought by the people in Largo to be brothers. My memories of all the time “Cruising”, fishing, hunting, etc. are like yesterday. I lie awake now thinking of all our times together and could write a book on our adventures and our mutual dear friends like Al Summerford, Ed Starling, and many more. His love of of his sweetheart and now Wife was unsurpassed. He was truly a joy to have spent a lifetime with, and I miss him as a dear loved one. I hope to pass the test to be with him in a better place
Billy
So sad to learn that Buddy has passed. I remember Buddy when I was very young, he and Bonnie Bee were newlyweds and rented an apartment from my parents. They lived downstairs, we lived upstairs. I looked forward to seeing him everyday as I loved his playful manner. As the years went by I only saw him at Cracker Suppers, we could always take off in conversation like it was yesterday when we last saw each other. My family loved them like family. Heart felt condolences and memories of a wonderful friend.
My late mother Betty and Buddy were cousins..she always spoke fondly of Buddy and Bonnie. My wife Patty and I accompanied my mom and dad on a trip to Florida from our home(s) in Alaska in 2002. Mom and Dad stayed at Buddy and Bonnie’s house while we were there. So glad they did..they had a ball catching up, and Mom talked about it all the time afterwards. I didn’t know them except for stories from my parents. Getting to meet them on that trip was a great encounter. Mom was right..great down to earth real folk. Rest in peace Buddy