Timothy Andrew Barnhill

Timothy “Tim” Andrew Barnhill, age 40, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2016, losing his hard-fought battle with addiction.

A celebration of Tim’s life will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1741 Sayles Blvd., with the Rev. Amy Wilson Feltz officiating. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service.

Tim was born in Abilene, Texas to A.R. “Barney” and Margery (Burkett) Barnhill on August 21, 1975. He was a 1993 graduate of Abilene High School, where he was an accomplished tennis player. Tim went on to attend Texas Tech and Hardin-Simmons University. He married Debi Ann Schrock on May 15, 2004 at the home he grew up in on Sayles Boulevard. Several years later, Tim and Debi were blessed with the arrival of their dear son Layne Andrew. Tim was the owner/operator of Barnhill Landscape.

An avid sports fan, Tim loved Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, University of North Carolina Basketball, the Texas Rangers, and live music, especially Widespread Panic, who he saw perform live upwards of 60 times. Most of all he loved Debi and Layne. While he may not have known it, Tim had a major influence on innumerable lives. He brought so many people together with his friendly demeanor, laid back confidence, and soft chuckle. Tim’s childhood friends in Abilene soon became close with his Lubbock pals he met in college. Those relationships still exist strongly to this day, a fitting tribute to Tim’s ability to create lasting friendships between many types of people and to share those connective bonds. This talent as a relationship builder illustrates the essence of his unconditional, giving nature.

A gifted conversationalist, Tim could speak for hours on topics ranging from the quality of Phil Mickelson’s golf swing to U.S. socio-economic policy and global political affairs. He was just so easy to talk to. If you were fortunate enough to find yourself in Tim’s company, hours could slip away in the warm embrace of an engrossing discussion.
Tim was a Christian and a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Brown Bag Group.

Tim loved his family and friends deeply. He enjoyed the outdoors and working in the fertile Texas soil, with the sun kissing his pale forehead. And it must be repeated: he adored his wife and son so, so much. He was a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. While his nature was quiet, he was always there to help anyone in need.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, A. R. “Barney” Barnhill.
He is survived by his wife Debi and their son Layne Andrew Barnhill, age 7, of Abilene. He is also survived by his mother Marge Barnhill, brother and sister-in-law Rob and Cindy Barnhill, sister and brother-in-law Carolyn Barnhill-Rodriguez and Charles Rodriguez, all of Abilene.

Other surviving relatives include brother-in-law Jeffery Welch of Midland, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kris (Schrock) and Michael Chapin and brother-in-law Richard Schrock, all of Detroit, Michigan.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Maggie (Barnhill) and David Hunt and their children, Fletcher and Eleanor all of San Marcos; Miranda Barnhill, Eric Welch, and Erin Rae Welch, all of Abilene; Brady and Maddie Welch of Tyler; Nichole, Alyssa, and Mike Chapin, all of Detroit, Michigan; and his beloved dogs, J.B. and Greta. He is also survived by extended family members and many life-long friends.

Honorary Pallbearers include Layne Barnhill, Rob Barnhill, Michael Bingham, Barry Byrd, Jake Clodfelter, John Cole, Jon Fink, Rob Fink, Tad Frizzell, Jimmy Frush, Evan Guajarda, Jason Haggard, Scott Jeffries, Danny Lepthien, David McLain, David Robertson, Charles Rodriguez, Billy Thinnes, Brady Welch, Eric Welch, and Jeffery Welch.

Tim’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Joseph Crumbliss, the Brown Bag Group, and his sponsor and friend, Barry Byrd.

Local arrangements are being handled by Piersall Funeral Directors. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Abilene Open Door, 3157 Russell Ave., Abilene, Texas 79605.

For those seeking help or suffering from addiction, please visit www.aa.org or the Abilene Open Door (325)672-0190.