Obituary of George Mack Johnson Barnard

George Mack Johnson Barnard, a resident of Greer, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 5th, 2022. George was 74 years old and had battled dementia for the past 11 years.  

He is survived by his loving wife Janet (Ton), and their two daughters: Janell McCall, her husband Edward, and their son Cole, of Seymour, TN; and Sara Flory of Tampa, FL. George is also survived by his brother, Richard Barnard (Betty), and sisters, Patricia Young (Tom), Susan Turner, and Kathy Bryant; Brother-in-law David Ton (Clair) and Sister-in-law Ruth Doyle. George is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

George was born to Robert and Virgina (Nance) Barnard in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on December 20, 1947. He was the first born of their five children. 

He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1965, where he proudly played trumpet in the marching band. After a year of attending the  University of Tennessee and participating in ROTC, George transferred to Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he met his future wife, Janet. They married in 1971 and were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary prior to his death.  

He chose to join the U.S. Army in 1969 rather than being drafted as many men were in that era.  He served his country proudly during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star for the work he accomplished during his tour.

George and Jan lived 36 years in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, where they raised their daughters and were members of Grace Memorial Bible Church and associate members of Berachah Church (Houston, TX). George was a familiar fixture at both daughters’ extracurricular events during their school years. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and watching University of Michigan football games. George and Jan retired to South Carolina in 2017, where they were active with the Alzheimer's Association and support groups.

It was often said that George never met a stranger, he eagerly talked to those he encountered in everyday life. He was passionate about sharing his faith in Jesus Christ, and sharing the accomplishments of his daughters and other relatives.

Friends and family are invited to join us in a celebration of life reception to be held at Grace Baptist Fellowship, 37 Pinckney Street, Greenville, SC on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 4 to 8 PM. A Military Interment Service will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Questions regarding the graveside service may be directed to Mott-McKamey Funeral Home of Oak Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to the Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina. Donations can be made online (www.alz.org/sc) in George’s name (please include his full name when donating.)

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the "tribute wall" tab above.