Stone Deavours Barefield Sr.  1927-2009

Stone Barefield Sr. took on many roles in the Hattiesburg area - attorney, businessman, legislator and supporter of the Longleaf Trace are just a few.

Barefield, 81, died Friday March 20th, 2009, at his home, son Michael Barefield said Saturday. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Moore Funeral Home. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Barefield was instrumental in creating and pushing the legislation resulting in the board that oversees the Longleaf Trace, the 41-mile biking and walking trail.

Barefield also served in the state House of Representatives for 24 years and was attorney for the Forrest County Board of Supervisors for more than 20 years.

Forrest County District 3 Supervisor Lynn Cartlidge knew Barefield personally for 50 years and professionally for about 30 years.

"Stone dedicated many years of service to trying to help develop Forrest County," he said. "He's going to be missed."

Cartlidge said the Rails-to-Trails recreation district board is working to name the tunnel at Seventh Street after Barefield. The action was taken before Barefield's death, he said.

Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree said Barefield had a rich history of service in Hattiesburg and Forrest County.

In 2005, Barefield and Foundation Development won a civil lawsuit against the city of Hattiesburg after being met with opposition when they tried to build an apartment complex at the intersection of Beverly Hills Drive and West Seventh Street.

"He had strong convictions, just as we all have strong convictions," DuPree said. "It doesn't minimize the contributions he's made for the way of life here in Hattiesburg and Forrest County."

Michael Barefield said his father was a man of integrity.

"People always told me that regardless of whether you agree with him or not, you knew where he stood and respected his integrity," he said.