Johnny Ellis Barfield

Johnny Ellis Barfield (known to family and close friends as “Sonny”) passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, August 11, 2024 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Ed Rollins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home service, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Johnny was born on March 19, 1946, to Johnnie A. and Myrtis E. (“Babe”) Barfield in Phenix City, Alabama. He attended school at Girard Elementary and Central High School. He later worked with the Phenix City Post Office until he retired in 1978.

Johnny was taught to play guitar by his father and began his musical career at the tender age of 12. He advanced quickly and began playing frequently with local musicians and bands. After high school, he formed a band that played regularly at locations in Phenix City and Columbus. In 1967, they pooled their money to pay for a recording session. Having only enough money for one take, they recorded “Mr. Starlight,” featuring Johnny’s extraordinary vocals. It was well received and quickly topped charts over the country. He began touring with bands and performed in numerous venues for years.

He subsequently returned to the Phenix City he loved, where he returned to the Phenix City Office. He served for a time on the Planning Commission and in 2016 was appointed to the Phenix City Council. He served them all with the same dedication and hard work as he did with his music career.

Johnny was predeceased by his mother and father, his half brother and sister, and his wife, Patricia Wrenn Barfield. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie Barfield Hagerty of Smiths Station, and his niece and devoted caregiver, Jamie Lynn Edwards of Cumming, Georgia.

Johnny lived his extraordinary life, mostly on his own terms. He will long be missed and remembered by his friends and fans and everyone his life touched.