Robert Carl Barkley
May 13, 1945—November 15, 2025
Robert Carl Barkley, 80, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. He was born on Mother's Day, May 13, 1945, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Carl and Beulah Tucker Barkley. His childhood was spent in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where he loved the outdoors and animals. At one time, he had a tarantula and a skunk as pets, much to the chagrin of his mother. He graduated from Jonesboro High School and Arkansas State University. A member of the Army ROTC, he received his commission in the Signal Corps and was stationed in South Korea during the Vietnam War. He then graduated from New Mexico State University with a Master's Degree in Wildlife Biology. He remained in the Army Reserve, attaining the rank of colonel, and was honorably discharged in 1996 after 20 years of service. He loved the military and all things related to it. Robert began his career as a wildlife biologist with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission but spent most of his career with the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service. He worked in Vicksburg, MS and then Grenada, MS, where his work focused on maintaining wetlands for migratory waterfowl; he retired from the F&WS in 2008. He loved to hunt and fish, but in his later years, he spent more time just enjoying the beauty and serenity of nature. He was also an avid reader.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Paulette Tucker Barkley of Mathiston, MS; sister, Charlotte Barkley Thompson (Bob) of Paragould, AR; sister-in-law Carol Cantrell (Eddie) of Starkville, MS and brother-in-law Johnny Tucker (Carol) of Fulton, MS; nephews Robert F. Thompson III (Tori) of Paragould, AR, Barkley Thompson (Jill) of Little Rock, AR, Andrew Thompson (Emily) of Tulsa, OK, Justin Cantrell of Vicksburg, MS, and Austin Tucker of Fulton, MS; nieces Charlotte Ann Grumbles of Maumelle, AR, and Shelley Cantrell of Maben, MS; numerous great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins. He also leaves behind his longtime friends, Mike King of Sikeston, MO, and Bill Bowers of Georgetown, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Per his wishes, the immediate family will have a private service, and his ashes will be scattered at Des Arc, AR, on the White River.
McNeese Morris Funeral Home of Fulton, MS was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Pinevale Children's Home, 1872 County Road 700, Corinth, MS 38834 or a charity of choice.
Paid obituary
