Diana Dee Barnard

June 30, 1942 - August 31, 2023

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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown Chapel

639 N Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-6733 |

Saturday 9/9, 12:00 pm

Family will speak to guests following the memorial service

Dee was born on June 30, 1942, in Fresno, California, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Thelma Baker Riddle.

As a child, Dee lived in Grants Pass, Oregon before moving to Tilghman Beach, South Carolina. She attended Wampee High School and was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1960. Dee went on to attend the University of South Carolina in 1961. After marrying Dr. J. Michael Barnard in 1962, the couple resided in Charleston, South Carolina, Memphis, Tennessee, San Antonio, Texas, and Nuremberg, Germany, before returning to Charleston. In 1971, Dee and her family made one final move and settled in Greenville, South Carolina.

Dee had a passion for Arabian horses, namely her own Sandollar Arabians, and worked with the National Arabian Horse Shows in Louisville, Kentucky. After her children were grown, she worked alongside her husband at his internal medical practice for many years before retiring. Dee and Mike enjoyed their time split between Greenville and Goat Island, South Carolina, where she enjoyed cooking, spending time with her family and friends and making sure everyone was comfortable.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 61 years Dr. J. Michael Barnard; three children, Stephen Barnard and Jeannie Harsany-Barnard (grandson Brandon and Chelsea Barnard, great-grandchildren, Brooks, Bennett, and Caroline), Tami Barnard Keel (grandchildren Cameron and Hailey Keel, Nicholas Keel, and Kelsie Keel), and Geoffrey and Beverley (deceased) Barnard (grandchildren Justin and Brittni Barnard, great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Lachlan, grandson Tyler and Megan Barnard, Ryan Barnard, and great-grandchildren Alexis Richey and Kamden Richey); a brother, James Gordon Riddle; nieces, Heather Riddle Phillips, Jaime Riddle, and Liza Riddle; and many other friends and relatives who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Dee Barnard will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, Greenville, South Carolina.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the “Watch Livestream” button located on the main obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville County, http://www.cancersocietygc.org/, or the Greenville Humane Society, https://www.greenvillehumane.com/.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Dee with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown Chapel

639 N Main Street

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 232-6733 | Map

Saturday 9/9, 12:00 pm

Family will speak to guests following the memorial service

Diana “Dee” Francis Riddle Barnard, the devoted wife of Dr. J. Michael Barnard, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the age of 81 years. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing. Dee was born on June 30, 1942, in Fresno, California, she was the daughter of the late GordonContinue Reading

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The love Dee and I shared has no bounds or knows no end. It is a ladder to heaven for all of us to follow in her footsteps

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Diana Barnard . Plant a Tree

We are so sorry for your loss. "Ma D" I'll miss your smiling face and infectious laughter, kind heart and love. I'm a better person for having known you. Thoughts and prayers to Dr. Mike and the entire family.

My sweet Dee,what a beautiful friend who brought me so much happiness. I always was so thrilled when you would call me to fill in while you were with your horses. You will always be in my heart. No longer in pain. May the lord be with Mike and family as they deal with their loss Such a devoted couple and kind help to all patients. Precious in the site of the Lord is the death of His saints. May it be so!

Dr. Barnard, Catherine and I were greatly saddened to hear of Dee's passing. She was much beloved and always extremely cordial and helpful to us. We truly appreciated the thoughtfulness and concern she expressed to us over the years. We know you have wonderful memories of your many years together that will forever comfort you and your family. We pray that God gives rest to her soul and blesses you and your loved ones. May her memory be eternal. Constantine and Catherine Christophillis

We're so sorry to learn about Dee. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Sherrill and Phyllis Bullock

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mike, so sorry to hear about Dee. You are in our prayers.

Dr. Barnard "B" and Family, It's with deepest regrets and a sad heart to know that Dee passed. I held her with high regards and respect as I do Dr. Barnard. Dee was always considerate, kind, and genuine. I will sorely miss her! Gone yet not or never will be forgotten. Although it's difficult to see beyond the sorrow today. May looking back in memory of Dee bring comfort tomorrow and in days ahead. Much love as I pray for God to bestow blessings and strength upon you! James E. Terry

Mike I am so sorry for ur loss. I really appreciate u snd ur medical group teaching me and all the other family practice residents all those years. May God give u and ur family the strength to get thru this difficult time of ur life Bill Bonner

Mike I am saddened to learn of Dee’s passing. She was a special lady with a great sense of humor. Prayers for you and your family.

When I moved to Greenville in 2003 I became friends with Tami (T1) , Dee’s daughter. Dee welcomed me into her fold with open arms. She was a rare soul who loved her family and friends fiercely. She had the mindset of ‘the more the merrier’ and I was all about love, more and merry! She was a kindred spirit that never met a stranger. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Rest easy my friend , your work here is done. Love, Tami 2

So sorry to hear of Mrs Barnards passing I went to high school with steven. Prayers and Comfort to the family during this time of sorrow.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.