Maryland Oliver Barksdale, born June 27, 1921 in Cannelton, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2015.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Barksdale and Alice Oliver Barksdale; sisters, Della Holmes, Anna Barksdale and Flossie Martin; and brother, Leonard Barksdale.

Maryland attended Boyd Jr. High School in Charleston and graduated from Garnet High School Class of 1941. He was a good student and received honors in penmanship, spelling and the arts. He accepted Christ in his earlier years and renewed his commitment to the Lord later in life.

After graduating from high school he worked as a welder in the Naval Shipyards in Portsmouth, Virginia. Upon returning home to Charleston he worked for Union Carbide until his retirement in 1982. He was an avid gardener and canned many fruits of his labor.

Maryland lived in Rand for many years and relocated to Institute in March 2014 to be close to his family.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, sons, James "Bucky" (Julie) Barksdale of Institute, Steven Barksdale of Rand; daughter, Victoria McGhee of Atlanta, Georgia; one grandchild, A'rielle Barksdale of Institute; nieces and nephews, Vicky Lynn Pleasant, Sandy Greenhowe, Rex Pleasant, Ronald Pleasant, Judy Eccles, Shirley Daniels, Thomas "Tomboy" Martin, Phyllis Pryor, and Mary Alice Martin; a host of cousins and other loving relatives and friends.

Services will be held at noon on Friday, April 17, at All Nations Revival Church with Bishop Norman B. Jones, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Family and friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.