Jeffrey "Jeff" Todd Barkley

jeffrey

July 19, 1969 ~ October 31, 2023

Born in: Statesville, North Carolina
Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Memorial Tree Plantings

Jeffrey Todd Barkley “Jeff,” age 54 of Arden NC, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on Tuesday October 31, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jeff was born to the late Glenn Rock Barkley and Brenda E. Barkley in Statesville, NC, on July 19, 1969. He was a graduate of Statesville High School in 1987, before enrolling to Appalachian State University, where he graduated with a BS in Business Administration, in 1991. While at App State, Jeff pledged to Sigma Nu fraternity and served as a Student Ambassador, where he formed lifelong relationships with his brothers and friends. Jeff went on to get his MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2004. He was employed by Selee Corporation in Hendersonville, NC, and a Board member and past Chair of the South Carolina International Trade Conference, in Charleston, SC.

Jeff enjoyed all things sports, with a passion for App State and UT football. He was an avid trail runner. He enjoyed cooking and nutrition, working in his yard, and spending time with his family and friends, of which there were many. Jeff is survived by his mother Brenda E. Barkley, of Hendersonville, and his spouse, Matthew Lands. In lieu of flowers friends and family are encouraged to make memorial donations to the Appalachian State University, YOSEF Club. Jeff lived in the way of the Creed of Sigma Nu.

“To believe in the Life of Love,
to walk in the Way of Honor,
to serve in the Light of Truth.”

Please make note of a scheduling change: A Celebration of Jeff’s Life will now be held starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden. His family will greet friends at the funeral home immediately following the service and will gather at Pack’s Tavern in downtown Asheville at 1:00 PM on that Saturday to continue the celebration.

Services

Celebration of Life: November 18, 2023 11:00 am

Room: Chapel

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2023-11-18 11:00:00 2023-11-18 11:00:00 Jeffrey "Jeff"ToddBarkleyCelebration of Life Celebration of Life 72 Long Shoals Road,Arden, NC 28704

Show Location on Map

Visitation: November 18, 2023 12:00 pm

Room: Main Hall

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2023-11-18 12:00:00 2023-11-18 12:00:00 Jeffrey "Jeff"ToddBarkleyVisitation Visitation 72 Long Shoals Road,Arden, NC 28704

Show Location on Map

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I am a cousin and fellow ASU alumnus. The last time I saw Jeff was on campus at Appalachian during the 2017 Homecoming, happy, excited for a Mountaineers football game, and full of life.

    Reply

    • Joe and Doris Smith: We are Dr. Mark Smith’s parents and were with Mark on Appalachian campus during 2017 homecoming. We talked with Jeff and he was so happy and smiling…he was in remission from one cancer. Joe and Jeff’s dad, Rock are cousins and spent many happy summers together in Statesville. Jeff was truly a sweet, caring person. Jeff will be missed. Our prayers are with you Brenda!

      Reply

  2. I met Jeff through work around 2018 and have never met a more genuine person with a love for life. His enthusiasm & happiness was addictive and I loved being in his company. May you rest in peace & thank you for the joy you brought to others.I am praying for comfort for your spouse, mother, friends & family.

    Reply

  3. Enjoyed knowing fine young man. Just last week exchanged emails. Enjoyed working on trade conference board with
    Him. My prayers for Matthew & Brenda. Cherish your wonderful memories.

    Reply

  4. Jeff will be missed by many including me. Getting to know him over the past years has been a pleasure. I have never meet a more kind and gentle person. Having some knowledge of his situation I was always inspired by how he kept doing life. As a fellow App State guy we had a simple connection that was more than I imagined. He will always have a place in my memory.

    Reply

  6. I’ve known Jeff since middle school and was so happy we reconnected on FB this last year as I was unaware of his ongoing battle. It did not surprise me at all to see him embracing life this last year with every bit of zest he had in him. He was definitely one of the good souls! And sweet mom Brenda, I’ll always remember you coming through my line at Harris Teeter, even though I was definitely the worst cashier & that amazing bread you made too … my prayers are with you, Matthew & all your family. God Bless

    Reply

  7. A beautiful man with a smile that lit up a room. Such a gentle soul. Thinking of Matt & Brenda.
    All our love.
    Lovera A. & Keith

    Reply

  8. Jeff is one of the most sincere and happiest people I know. His kind smile and easy laugh always made the world seem better. There was never an issue you could not overcome with Jeff involved. I considered him a good friend and will miss him dearly.

    Reply

  9. Jeff was an amazing person. He was always so friendly and made sure to always say hi to you every day when you saw him. He had such an optimistic outlook on life and was always making the best of every situation he was in. He never once let anything with his diagnosis slow him down or dampen his spirit. He was such a kind and genuine person and I learned so much from him. He will be truly missed. Rest easy.

    Reply

  10. I met Jeff thru his husband Matt, truly a sweet person. My thoughts and prayers are with the Family. Matt love ya buddy.. I’m here for you !

    Reply

  12. I’m still shocked and speechless, always thought if anyone with that cancer diagnosis can make it through, it would be Jeff – with his admirable optimism and strong will to fight. He truly was a good one and we shared our love for Haribo’s, Altbier and Killepitsch. My thoughts are with his family. So long, Jeff – I will miss you!

    Reply

  13. My wife and I met Jeff and Matt by chance about 10 years ago. That meeting Blessed us with the friendship of a truly remarkable man. Jeff’s easy going demeanor and ever present smile always made us feel so welcome. No matter how long between our get togethers, talking with Jeff you always felt like you just saw him yesterday. He was an amazing soul. Jeff we pray you rest in peace, we love you and will miss you. We pray for Matt and Brenda to be Blessed by God’s comfort.

    Reply

  15. I met Jeff through work and like everyone in his orbit, he made me a better person for knowing him. His infectious positivity and joy touched us all. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts well wishes are with all who knew and loved him.

    Reply

  16. Our sincerest condolences. Jeff was a fine young man and always a ray of sunshine. He will be missed. Bill and Susie Turbeville

    Reply

  17. The impact Jeff made on me in our brief association at work is immense. I will carry with me his energy, optimism and authentic willingness to help. My condolences to his family and friends.

    Reply

  18. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Jeff. I knew Jeff as a kid, we both went to St. Paul Lutheran Church. Jeff was the sweetest person and very protective of me. He would always run really hard to the church playground to claim us both swings side by side. I have the fondest memories of him. My condolences to his family. May his life be a testament to spreading love while he touched our lives in some way.

    Reply

  19. Jeff was definitely one of the sweetest people I know. I lost touch with Jeff but he remains in my heart and memories. Praying for his Mom Brenda and his Spouse Matthew. May God bring you peace and comfort and strength and understanding during this difficult time. Jeff will truly be missed. Much love ❤️. God heals but doesn’t promise its on this side of Heaven. Jeff is healed and most definitely hugging Jesus and reunited with his Dad.

    Reply

  20. I remember the first time I met Jeff when he was at GE, and thinking what a fine young man. You just couldn’t help but just like Jeff, he was funny, his infectious love of life, his intelligence, and his kindness. It was with great joy when he arrived at SELEE; I don’t think I ever witnessed him having a bad day. This world has lost one of the nicest, most lovable of all the people I have ever known. Godspeed Jeff and may you rest in peace.

    Reply

  21. So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing this weekend at the ASU football game from you, Matt. Suzanne and I loved having Jeff, Brenda and you sitting in front of us over many years now. As so many people have shared in these many posts, Jeff was always smiling and cheering on his beloved Appalachian State Mountaineers!! We are going to miss him greatly. God’s blessings to you and Brenda.
    Charlie and Suzanne Barton

    Reply

    • We were always looking for them to come in at the game and hud contagious smile. We will keep pulling for those Neers with you in mind. Suzanne

      Reply

  22. I met Jeff through work in logistics. He was always smiling and possessed such kind heart. Such a pleasure to be around. He will be truly missed by all. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May they find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace.

    Reply

  24. Brenda, Thinking of you during this difficult time & praying fond memories of Jeff will be of comfort to you. Never feel alone in your sorrow; Remember others care & are with you always – in thought, prayer & deepest sympathy. May God’s love carry you through your time of grieving.
    Care & Concern – Carol Jordan Phillips 11/07/2023

    Reply

  25. My dear Brenda and dear Matthew….I was so very saddened and shocked to read of Jeff’s death….I knew him when he was a young boy and he was a lovely person in every way…Brenda…my dear girl….Mel and I send you our love and deepest condolences….and Matthew…although I don’t know you…my heart breaks for you…This dear man left us too soon!! Love and prayers!

    Reply

  26. Although it has been so long since I have seen Jeff, my young cousin, I have wonderful memories of Glen Echo in Statesville and his parents.
    I pray for peace to Matthew and Brenda as well as all those who were in his life.

    Reply

  27. We enjoyed many App game day tailgating activities with Jeff, Matt, and Brenda & also sitting next to them at the games. Jeff was so full of life and love and constantly talking with his numerous friends. He will be sorely missed.

    Reply

  28. Jeffrey, today we smile to honor you 😊 Keeping Matt and your mom in my thoughts and prayers. You will be truly missed.

    Reply

  29. Remembering one of the best who could light up a room or crowd with his presence! Rest in peace, our friend! Hope our Mountaineers win big today in your memory!

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide