Mr. Andrew Barriner

Andrew Barriner, Sr. was born July 18, 1936, in Garfield, Georgia to the late Donnie Barriner. He was the oldest of three children, sister Bernice Neely and brother Albert Backey Sr. Andrew spent the first eighteen (18) years of his life in Georgia on the sprawling 75-acre Barriner homestead. The Barriner family consisted of grandparents, and a host of uncles, aunts, first cousins, and extended family. Andrew had a playful spirit and enjoyed his formative years working alongside and playing with his large family. As the oldest he mentored his siblings with loving sacrifice and heartfelt example. Andrew was a prankster and enjoyed having fun and making people laugh. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. Andrew had a sharp business mind. In 1958 he left Georgia, and made his home in Gifford, Florida to work in the citrus industry. Before leaving Georgia, he was blessed with his first-born son Freddie Freeman. Andrew had to move away from his son to make a better living, but he maintained a loving relationship with Freddie and his family. In Florida, Andrew was a force of nature. He was small in stature but mighty in will and determination. After working in the citrus industry for many years, Andrew created and led a successful lawn service business. To his clients he was a man of his word. He was punctual, dependable, hardworking, and detailed oriented. Andrew was committed to perfection and did not believe in rushing his craft. He made sure that his clients were satisfied. Andrew also extended his goodwill to his community. He employed many people in need of work and was extremely charitable to friends and family. All over Florida, people knew and respected Andrew. Andrew successfully operated his business until his retirement in 2021. In 1977, a beautiful Vero Beach Floridian caught his eye. Andrew was crazy about Christine Reagan. Andrew knew what he wanted and pursued Christine for many months. Before they got together, he was right outside her job every evening when she got off work. He used to tell her, “We need to be one.” Finally, his charm got the best of her, and they were married on November 17, 1979. That union produced two cherished sons, Andrew Barriner, Jr., and Alvin Jerard Barriner. Andrew was a proud papa. He tried his best to be a family man and a good father. The lessons and values that he instilled in his sons are the foundation they stand on today. On June 4, 2024, God summoned Andrew with outstretched hands and gently whispered “It’s time to go my son”. God came and took him home, but his legacy reminds us to take comfort in knowing Andrew was blessed with 87 years of a well-lived life. His transition is marked by his reverence for scripture, especially his favorite passage, which he often quoted to his family… “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” -John 14: 1-4 Andrew is survived by his two sons Andrew, Jr. and Alvin, his sister Bernice, of Los Angeles CA, and grandchildren: Alvin Javon Barriner, Madison Lynn Barriner, and Aidan Wesley Barriner. In addition, his nieces: Sonya Neely Scott (Kansas City, MO), Ella Neely (Los Angeles, CA), Nephews: Albert Backey, Jr. (Ypsilanti, MI), Willard and Russell Neely (Los Angeles, CA). One brother-in-law Willie Reagan; three sisters-in-laws, Anna Lane (Vero Beach, FL), Charlotte Backey (Ypsilanti, MI), and Joyce Reagan Brown (Jim) (Atlanta, GA), as well as many beloved family and friends. Andrew is preceded in death by his mother Donnie Barriner, brother Albert Sr., son Freddie Freeman, and brother-in-law, Willard Neely. Andrew will be missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his quiet demeanor and his strong work ethic. “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” -Psalm 4:8

Mr. Andrew Barriner

July 18, 1936 - June 4, 2024