Birth Date: 09/15/1934
Deceased Date: 01/02/2025
Carlton Brooks Barefoot, 90, passed away on January 2, 2025, with his children, Jimmy and Karen, by his side. Born on September 15, 1934, Carlton was the son of the late Ike and Mollie Barefoot. Carlton was known for his kindness, unwavering faith, and love for life. He was a United States Army veteran, and was proud of his service for his country.
Carlton started his tobacco career at the Carolina Tobacco Warehouse in Fairmont NC and worked to become a co-owner of four tobacco warehouse operations – Liberty Tobacco Warehouse in Whiteville, Maury County Tobacco Warehouse and Columbia Tobacco Warehouse in Tennessee, and Sampson Tobacco Warehouse in Clinton.
Later, he built a hog farming operation, which is still in operation. He served on many boards and committees throughout North Carolina as an advocate for agriculture, notably tobacco. Farming and tobacco were his life.
He deeply loved his church, St. Paul Free Will Baptist Church, where he was a member and served on the deacon board for 28 consecutive years. Throughout his life, he often expressed to Jimmy and Karen, how much he loved St. Paul. In addition, he loved all children. When children were around, he was always smiling. He loved just standing and watching the children play and participate at church. He knew they were our future, and he wanted to help them in any way that he could.
Most importantly, Carlton loved his family. His family was everything! Spending time with family made him happy. He was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also was very close to his sisters and brother.
However, at the top of his list was the love of his life, Snowdean. They were “two peas in a pod.” Carlton and Snowdean were inseparable, depending on each other greatly and served as exemplary role models for their family, friends, and community. Sadly, Snowdean passed away in October 2022. We know that Mama, Daddy, Carl, and Ashlyn are rejoicing in heaven and having a grand celebration!
Our family is also rejoicing that Daddy is in heaven and free of his burdens here on earth. Daddy’s final years were marked by significant challenges, particularly as he faced struggles with memory loss. But even through it all, he would give us the biggest smile and show so much happiness when we were with him. Daddy’s love for people never faltered. Daddy has not been able to communicate for some time due to his dementia. However, two days before he passed, Daddy said plain and clear, “Mama See Mama!” Daddy referred to Snowdean as “Mama”. We genuinely believe she was calling him home.
Carlton was preceded in death by his loving wife, Snowdean Barefoot, his son, Carlton “Carl” Barefoot Jr., and his granddaughter, Ashlyn Barefoot. Remaining to cherish his memories are his son Jimmy Barefoot and wife Sheila, daughter Karen Sinclair and husband Dewain, grandchildren Brooks Barefoot and wife Megan, Justin Sinclair and wife Jessica, Reid Sinclair and wife, Haley, Tyler Sinclair and wife Carlie, and Kaylan Dudley and husband Lucas, step-grandchildren Jenna Rogers and husband Caleb, Chris Wallace, and Derek Wallace, great-grandchildren Paul Sinclair, Molly Sinclair, Reagan Sinclair, Gray Sinclair, Julia Dudley, Macie Sinclair, Samuel Sinclair, Edie Dudley, Jack Sinclair, Carlyn Barefoot, and step great grandchild Levi Rogers.
Visitation will be held on January 5 from 2:00 to 3:45 at St. Paul Free Will Baptist Church, Newton Grove, NC, and at other times at the homes of Jimmy and Karen. Service to celebrate Carlton’s life will follow at the church at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Kearney officiating. Following the funeral, Carlton will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Newton Grove, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 64, Newton Grove, NC 28366.
Daddy (“Pops,” as Jimmy called him), go rest, for you have done all that you were called to do on this earth. You have served your Lord well and been the best Daddy, Granddaddy, husband, and friend anyone could ask for. We love and will miss you so much!
Jimmy & Karen Hope
Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove is honored to serve the Carlton Barefoot family.
