Blaine Burch Barnard, 89 of Laurel Fork, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Forsyth Novant Medical Center.  Blaine was born in Carroll County, Virginia to the late Jennings Burch and Julia Mahala Marshall Barnard on May 23, 1935.  He was also preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Jean Edwards Barnard and a sister Helen Barnard Frazier.

Survivors include his niece, Rhonda Edwards (Stephen); nephews, Terry Edwards (Tammy), Alan Edwards and David Edwards (Kim). Great-nieces and nephews, Sarah Turner, Cody Edwards, Courtney Edwards Jackson (Ben), Collin Edwards, Kara Edwards and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ivan and Joyce Edwards. Blaine also leaves behind his beloved cat "Tom T".

Blaine enlisted in the US Army Reserve on 28 Oct 1957. He received basic training at Fort Jackson, Columbia SC. and was later stationed at Fort Bragg NC where he and Shirley lived on base. Blaine received a Letter of Accommodation from Fort Meade Maryland for his unit's contribution to the Berlin Crisis in 1962. Blaine obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6 and was honorably discharged on 31 May 1962.

His father, Burch Barnard, purchased 200 acres of land in 1930 and started a dairy farm known as "East Knob Dairy Farm".  Blaine was involved in its operation from an early age.  After their marriage, Blaine and Shirley took over the farm and ran it successfully until 1987 when the farm was sold.

Blaine and Shirley were devoted members of Tory Creek Baptist Church. Shirley played the organ and Blaine was the Chairman of Deacon Committee. They both lived their lives with a deep and unwavering commitment to their faith.

Blaine ( 414 ) was one of the founding members of the Laurel Fork Volunteer Fire Dept. in 1966.  He received numerous awards for his 59 years of firefighting service including "Most Fire Calls Handled" award which he received 15 years in a row. Blaine remained active in the Department until his death, responding to his last call on March 4, 2025.

Shirley and Blaine were dedicated members of the Laurel Fork Community.  They served on the Laurel Fork Community Board and were deeply involved in the construction of the new community building, walking trail and more recently, the installation of playground equipment.

A celebration of life service for Blaine and Shirley will be held on May 31. Funeral inurnment will be at the Barnard Cemetery on Hurricane Ridge Road in Floyd County at 9am.  Blaine and Shirley's family and friends, along with the Laurel Fork Volunteer Fire Dept. will continue the service at Laurel Fork Community Center at 10am.

In lieu of flowers,  please send donations to Laurel Fork Volunteer Fire Dept or Troy Creek Baptist Church.