Elder J. Elvis Barrington

Elder J. Elvis Barrington went home to his Lord on Sunday, February 20, 2005. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at 1:00 pm at the Midland Primitive Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Midland. The family will receive friends at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring St. from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, February 21, 2005.Elder Barrington was born on April 28, 1923 in Goldthwaite, TX. In 1952 he and his family moved to Midland, TX. He served as the pastor of Primitive Baptist Church in Midland for 35 years before retiring. He was instrumental in establishing the Harmony Plains Singing School in Cone, TX and was the Director for 32 years."J.E." as he was known in the Lions Clubs, was a member of the Westside Club, serving in many capacities, including District Governor. He was active in the Midland community where he served as the Emergency Room Chaplain on the Shepard's Staff at Midland Memorial Hospital. He was a member and officer of Toast Masters. He participated in leadership positions in the Choir Booster Clubs, Boy Scouts and other youth organizations. Elvis helped establish the Midland Association for Retarded Citizens. He served as the first "bus" driver, using his own vehicle to collect the teachers and students, taking them to the Opportunity Center before public education was available to the mentally retarded. Over the years he served in many capacities ranging from the Board of Directors to "Pop Bottle Volunteer".He is survived by Wilma Nell Cathey Barrington his wife of 58 years; sons James Barrington Jr. of Midland, Gary Barrington and his wife Karen of Hendersonville, TN, Troy Barrington and his wife Martha of Stephenville, TX; daughters Cathie Barrington of Grand Prairie, TX and Deborah Stephens and husband Audie of Midland, TX; twelve grandchildren; sister Ruby Mariner of Amarillo, TX; brother, Tillman Barrington and his wife Belva of Belton, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elder James Abby and Bonnie Beatrice Self Barrington and sisters Odell Mariner and LaVerne Smyth of Amarillo, TX.In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to: Midland Primitive Baptist Church 411 W. Shandon, Midland, TX 79705, Harmony Plains Singing School c/o 4811 15th St., Lubbock, TX 79416-5617, Midland Association of Retarded Citizens 2701 N. A St., Midland, TX 79705, Texas Lions Club Children Camp, P.O. Box 290247, Kerrville, TX 78029. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,