Mr. Bruner "Gerald" Barksdale age 87 a longtime resident of Green Cove Springs, passed away at his home Thursday, May 11, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born September 20, 1935, in Ocala to the late Bruner T. and Vasta (Jackson) Barksdale. Mr. Barksdale proudly served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper and retired as a building contractor. He was an ordained Deacon and faithfully served in churches for over 60 years and loved teaching Sunday School classes. He enjoyed traveling to the mountains, camping, feeding animals at Spring Park, woodworking, and just staying busy. Mr. Barksdale also had a big heart for all animals. He was best known for not complaining or worrying and ALWAYS staying positive, but most of all he loved his family and spending every minute he could with them. Mr. Barksdale leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 62 wonderful years Rebecca (Green) Barksdale of Green Cove Springs and their three children Blaine Barksdale (Tina) and Ken Barksdale (Alecia) all of Green Cove Springs, and Lisa Hopkins (Eddie) of Middleburg; a sister Patricia Ann Turner of Pensacola and a sister in-law Patricia Ann Saunders of Middleburg. Mr. Barksdale was lovingly called "Papa" by grandchildren Lacey (Corey), Savanna, Shara (Preston), Jared (Hannah), Shelby (Bryan), Mandy (Daniel), Meagan (Chris), Austin, Chelsey (Cameron), Trenton (Caitlin), and Halea (Austin) along with great grandchildren McKaelyn, Maddox, Reid, Heidi, Roman, Caden, Gavin, Mason, Landon, Kayson, Kaydin, Kelvin, Elina, Wyatt, Harper, Dawson, and Alaia Rynn. The family will begin receiving friends at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in the Living Waters Worship Center and funeral services to follow at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Joe Barrie officiating. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Living Waters Worship Center Israel fund. Arrangements are by HELM-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 1811 Idlewild Ave. Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696.www.helmgallagherfh.com Cemetery Hickory Grove Cemetery 1831 Idlewild Avenue Green Cove Springs FL 32043 US Visitation Tuesday, May 16, 2023 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Living Waters Worship Center 1104 Idlewild Avenue Green Cove Springs FL 32043 US Funeral Home Helm - Gallagher Funeral Home - Green Cove Springs 1811 Idlewild Avenue Green Cove Springs FL - 32043 US (904) 284-9696