John David Barfield

John David Barfield, 52, lost his life December 24, 2016. John David was born October 15, 1964, to Winford Jackson Barfield and Lucy Jones Barfield, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. John David was a typical little boy from a little Southern town with aspirations of playing in the big leagues. But there was nothing typical about John David Barfield! He worked very hard, was committed to his dream, and was determined to see that dream become a reality. He went through the ranks of Little League, Babe Ruth and Legion Ball and also played for his Pine Bluff High School team. It was there on that field, that he helped lead the Pine Bluff Zebras to the State Championship in 1983. He graduated in 1983 and went on to Crowder Junior College in Neosho, Mo. and then on to Oklahoma City University where he was signed in the 11th round of the MLB draft in 1986 by the Texas Rangers. John David moved up to the majors in 1989 and went on to play three seasons with the Rangers, then played for four different organizations before he hung up his glove in 1998. His talent gave him the opportunity to travel the world and play the game he loved in several different countries. He played for Mexico, Taiwan, Japan and Venezuela. He was a fierce competitor and commanded the mound when he was on it. But off the field, he was a happy, fun loving guy. Even though reaching the Major League level was the crowning achievement of his career, he remained hometown proud of his Pine Bluff Zebra team and of his part in winning the State championship. John David leaves behind a legacy that goes way beyond his time in the Majors. He is known for his eagerness to sign autographs, his willingness to help kids develop their skills, and the giving of his time and talent to teach in baseball camps and batting practices. He always wanted to promote the love of the game. His passion for baseball never waivered. John David leaves behind his only child, Johnna Marin Barfield, who was born on December 26, 1997. He always said that she was the best Christmas present that he had ever received. His mother, Lucy J. Barfield preceded him in death, as well as his maternal grandparents, Rector Henry Jones and Cecil Cope Jones and paternal grandparents, William Thomas Barfield and Florence Atchison Barfield. He is survived by his father, W.J. (Jack) Barfield, 88, and his stepmother, Virgie Y. Barfield, of Hot Springs and his sister, Debra Barfield Hudson, of Little Rock, Ark.; two nephews, Phillip M. Tidwell and David J. Tidwell; one niece, Jennifer L. Tidwell, all of Little Rock, and one grandniece, Anne-Elise Tidwell, whom John adored. He also leaves behind a stepsister, Terri Pasqualin, of Miami, Fla. and a stepbrother, Jody Esterline, of Redfield as well as a multitude of friends and former teammates that loved and adored him. John David will be missed by his family not only because of his kind and generous heart, but especially for his infectious laughter. His sense of humor was intense and he wanted everyone in his presence to feel happy, loved, and protected. He cared deeply, but often quietly. He performed acts of kindness that no one knew of. He was a humble man and never forgot where he came from, or who he belonged to. His sister would like to share this poem with all who loved John David Barfield, and she asks that you remember his face, his voice, and his laughter as you read it: Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears. But instead, laugh and talk with me as if I were still beside you. I loved you so…..t'was heaven here with you…. ~Isla Paschal Richardson. Services will be held on Saturday, December 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Officiated by Rev. Flash Gordon. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park immediately following the service. Donations may be made to: Zebra Baseball Club, c/o John D. Barfield, P.O. Box 3141, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.