Graydon Lee Barz
February 11, 1937 - January 13, 2021

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Graydon L. Barz of Holden Beach from complications with Pulmonary Fibrosis and pneumonia. He was born on February 11, 1937 in Klemme, Iowa. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Marlene H. Barz.  He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene J. Barz and his children, Graydon L. Barz, Jr. (Michele), and Kerstin L. Kaiser (Jerry)  and grandchildren, Graydon Robert and Ariana Barz and Griffin and Mason Kaiser, his dear brother, Harvey Barz (Dora), and sister, Myrna Main ( Sam).

He had an idyllic childhood growing up in the very small town of Klemme and grew up working at many different jobs Including mucking out chicken coops in a hatchery and helping in the local butcher shop . He was a graduate of what is now Northern Iowa University.

He joined the Navy in 1960 and served on the USS Oriskany, Monrovia, and Mcmorris in seas and ports around the world.  After active service he began a career in  the Naval Field Operational Intelligence Office in Washington, DC, from which he retired in 1992.

In retirement he and Marlene H. lived at Lake Gaston, NC, and then for many years in St. James Plantation.  He began painting in oils in the colorist style, mostly landscapes, water, and boat and beach scenes and also began carving wonderful Santa Claus figures and birds. The birds were often created from unique pieces of driftwood for which he carved and painted realistic heads.

He will be remembered for his love of music; singing with a surprisingly high tenor voice with his brother while they washed and dried the dishes every night and  in various church choirs and the Sea Notes Choral Society of which he was president one year; listening to music of all genres from old time blues to country, big band to opera while painting. He loved his golf buddies and fellow artists in his painting group, and the Bridge and Hand and Foot partners with whom he played over the years. But mostly he will be remembered for his kindness, his caring ways and his love for his family and friends.  We loved you so much, dear Graydon.

No services are planned at this time. A Life Celebration for will be held at a later date. Contributions in Graydon’s memory may be made to either of two churches:   St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4843 Southport-Supply Road SE, Southport, NC 28461 or Holden Beach Chapel, 107 Rothschild Street, Supply NC 28462.

 


5 Comments

  • Roger & Carol Terhufen Posted January 18, 2021 12:30 pm

    Our sincere sympathy to Graydon’s family. To Harley and Myrna. We grew up together in Klemme. There are so many memories of all those wonderful years. How lucky we were.

  • Beverly and Ron Hummel Posted January 18, 2021 3:38 pm

    Deepest sympathy to Harley, Myrna, and all of Graydon’s family. Many fond memories of growing up in Klemme, Ia. and Graydon Barz.

  • Cheryl Marshall Posted January 24, 2021 7:15 pm

    Deepest sympathy to Marlene H and Graydon’s family. I so enjoyed our Sunday lunch get-a-ways after church on Holden Beach. Graydon was kind, funny and a gifted artist. He is deeply missed!

  • Libby Preble Posted January 30, 2021 9:08 pm

    Dear Marlene, Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at the passing of Graydon. He was a wonderful friend to Bob Burris, my friend. Bob respected Graydon so much. Bob said that Graydon was such a talented Navy employee and Bob was so happy that you and Graydon met and married. It was such a pleasure to meet you and Graydon and I could tell why Bob valued your friendship so much. So do I. Please know that you’re loved. I wish you the peace that passes all understanding. May God Bless You and Keep you in the Palm of His Hands. Please take care. I hope to see you soon. Libby Preble

  • Mark Bramlette Posted December 15, 2021 6:14 pm

    Graydon Barz was my classmate, Navy Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island, Class 50, Echo Company. We received our commissions as Navy Ensigns, October 14, 1960. Sit Tibi Terra Levis.


Add Condolence Message

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *