Teddy Weyland Barrow was born June 25, 1946 to Samuel Barrow, Sr. and Bessie Scissom Barrow. He grew up in the woods of Starks and always carried a deep love for Barrow Hill; the place where many of his fondest memories were made with many of the people he loved most.
Ted was one of the youngest of 11 children and lost a younger brother, J. H., with whom he was very close, at the age of nine. He missed J. H. for the rest of his earthly life and we rejoice in knowing they have had a sweet reunion and are worshiping our Lord together.
Ted graduated from Hyatt High School in 1964 and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Washington D.C. where he helped operate a printing press.
He later met and married JoRuth Barrow in 1979 and became a father-figure to Monica Bickham Guillory and Melissa Bickham Lafleur. Ted and JoRuth also had two daughters together, Shiloh Barrow and Alonda Barrow Cepeda. In addition, they raised their grandson, Kyle Bickham, who was always more like a son to Ted as he very dearly loved him.
Ted spent the bulk of his working years as a foreman of Orange County Precinct 3, Road and Bridge Department. Several of his co-workers became close friends as they spent years working alongside one another.
Anyone who knew Ted knows that he loved to laugh. He loved to make a dull day fun with a joke or a prank and had a myriad of good stories and fun memories as a result. He also was a huge Elvis fan for the whole of his adult life and will always be known for his signature Elvis hips and Elvis voice impersonation. Most of all, he knew and loved Jesus.
He came to know the Lord later in life when he came to a true understanding of his sin and his need for Jesus, the only One who has the power to save people from their sins.
As a believer, he was about the business of witnessing to people. He would strike up a conversation with a person in Wal-Mart or knock on a door so that he could share with them their need for Jesus and invite them to church.
Ted had a love for the church and had a deep affection for the congregation at Genesis Baptist Church, where he was a member. When Ted would speak of heaven he would often say, ¨Heaven is seeing Jesus face to face.¨
Today as we are saddened and cry, we do so for ourselves. Ted is not sad and he is not crying because he sees Jesus face to face and his faith has been made whole. The trials of his life are over and he has now entered into that eternal rest in the presence of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ted was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Monica Bickham Guillory; mother and father, Samuel Barrow, Sr. and Bessie Scissom Barrow; brothers, J. H. Barrow and Samuel Barrow, Jr.; sisters, Alma Fay Barrow, Catherine Bickham, Evelyn Smith, and Linda Dumas.
He is survived by his children, Shiloh Barrow, Alonda Cepeda, Kyle Bickham, and Melissa LaFleur; grandchildren, Zackry LaFleur, CarloJo Tompkins, Joaquin Cepeda, and Salma Cepeda; and great grandchildren; brother, Jerry Barrow; sisters, Beatrice Rumby, Delores Crabtree Franks, and Sandra Verdine.
John 14:1-3
“Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also”
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Apr. 1 at First Baptist Church of Starks, 128 Hwy. 109 S., Starks with an 11 a.m. funeral service. Interment will follow at Barrow Cemetery in Starks.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
