Wayne Barfield

John Wayne Barfield peacefully passed away at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, FL. on July 15th, 2025.

He was born on October 29th, 1946 in Albany, Georgia. From his youth, Wayne was an avid fisherman & athlete. He was a star at Albany High School from 1960-1964 in baseball & football. His athleticism earned him a full scholarship to the University of Florida for football. He played for the Gators from 1964-1967. In April of 2005, he was inducted into the Albany Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his successful sports career.

At the University of Florida, Wayne studied horticulture and became a successful landscaping professional in north-central Florida for several decades. Later in life, he worked in the mortgage business.

Wayne's unique nickname was "Shadetree." He and his longtime friend, Toby Webb created an annual local fishing tournament creatively dubbed the "Shadetree Honorary Invitational Tournament" which lasted for nearly 30 years.

He was an avid deer & bird hunter. He spent many years hunting in the "Donaldson Tract Hunting Club" near Waldo, FL., and also in Hamilton County outside of Jasper, FL. His close friendships while hunting & fishing were something Wayne truly cherished in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee, Sr. & Annie Mae, and younger brother, Russell "Pee-Wee" Barfield.

He is survived by partner Patricia Ines and her 2 children, Gregory Ines & Kimberly Ines Bishop and her daughter, Kendylle Bishop; brother R.L. Barfield, Jr. & wife Karen Hope Barfield; nieces Jerri Lynn Carroll & Brandi Diane Smith.; sister Bobbie Barfield; and nephew and niece Gene Daugherty Jr. & Jennifer Carroll.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on Friday, August 8th at 11:00 am with Dr. Dan Johnson as the officiant at Milam Funeral Home (311 S Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601).