George Barham's Obituary
George Hulon Barham, age 70, passed away December 5, 2013. George was born in Huntingdon, Tennessee, the son of Bill and Talmadge Barham. He graduated from Huntingdon High School, and he made many lasting friendships there. George especially enjoyed recent gatherings with old friends where they reminisced about the good times they shared. Following high school he attended the University of Tennessee, Martin, where he was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. During the summer months of high school and college, George worked for his beloved uncle and mentor, Bobby “Hootie” VanCleave, at Publix, a shirt factory in Huntingdon. Stories still circulate among his coworkers about the never-ending, mischievous pranks and shenanigans George engaged in during his time there. After graduating college, George proudly served his country in the United States Army while stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. Following his military service, he accepted a position with Kimco Chemicals Corporation in Memphis. He later joined Quaker Oats Chemicals Corporation as the Vice President of Human Relations, also in Memphis. After Quaker Oats Chemicals’ acquisition by Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, George joined Great Lakes as Division Vice President of Human Resources of Manufacturing in Indianapolis, Indiana. While at Great Lakes, George extensively traveled internationally as the company expanded. Longing to return to friends and family, George relocated back to Memphis where he formed his own human relations management consulting company. Opportunities led to his company’s growth in diverse areas, which included managing a large multi-physician practice in Jackson, Tennessee. His continued success led him to form a second company, Medical Resource Recovery, which aids medical facilities in obtaining insurance claims payments. George was involved in numerous University of Memphis activities and clubs over the years, including the Highland Hundred football support club. In addition, he was an avid and passionate University of Memphis men’s basketball fan. George left a lasting impression on those who knew and loved him. He was a generous and giving man in quiet ways. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. George was a one-of-a-kind guy who always had an entertaining story to tell with humor, insight, and enthusiasm. He will be terribly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Patsy Newmon and Billie Jean Barham. George is survived by one sister, Penny Scates; brother-in-law Stan Scates; nieces Kelli Newmon and Hillary Scates Newcomb; and grandnieces Lauren Newmon, Lindsey Cary, and Piper Newcomb. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 9, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, also at Memorial Park Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the University of Memphis, Men’s Basketball Program, Attn: George Barham Memorial Fund, 570 Normal Street, Suite 260, Memphis, TN, 38152, 901-678-2334.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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