Wayne Alexander Barfield
Wayne Alexander Barfield, 77, of Johns Island, SC, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Born May 7, 1948, in Porterdale, GA, Wayne was the son of the late George Daniel Barfield and Ann Elizabeth Willie Barfield. His childhood on his family’s farm near Louisville, GA, forged his lifelong bond with the natural world.
Wayne graduated from Louisville Academy in 1966. His advanced education included an associate degree in forestry from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1968, a Bachelor of Science in forestry from University of Georgia in 1970, and a Master of Science in environmental management from Duke University in 2000.
Wayne married Valeria Ann Moats in 1969, and they had three children, Lisa Barfield, Amy Nash, and Brian Barfield. Wayne married Merriman Lee Dowdle in 2003 and proudly assumed the role of stepfather to her two sons, Max Miller Dowdle and Isaac Miller.
Wayne was a professional forester with a 40-year career in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia; including time spent managing forest and tree research and tree nurseries. He started his career in 1971, with the now legacy company, Westvaco corporation, as an assistant district forester. He rose in responsibility in the corporation’s Forest Resources Division, holding various positions in Division management reaching the role of a Vice-President of Forest Research at MeadWestvaco Corporation. That position was followed by being a Vice President and General Manager of Operations for ArborGen Inc; a leading forest regeneration and seedlings company and a subsidiary corporation, where he was also a Director and a Board Member. In addition, he was a Board Director and Board Member of the Institute of Forest Biotechnology. While with Westvaco Corporation in West Virginia, Wayne was instrumental in the establishment of the Westvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest in that state. Under Wayne’s direction the Forest produced groundbreaking wildlife fisheries and forest ecology. Wayne was known for his levelheadedness and logical approach to solving business challenges, for his impeccable integrity and care for his coworkers and the forest resource. He was active, even after his retirement, in professional organizations including Forestry Associations in South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia; and the West Virginia Nature Conservancy.
After his retirement, he enjoyed running his farm at Contentment Hall on Johns Island with Merriman. He finally had his own 30-acre farm to plant and manage. His prolific citrus, pears, plums, squash, corn, and other crops showed all the love he had for trees and the cultivation of land. He gave the fruits of his labor freely to his family and friends, donating the rest to the local food bank. He enjoyed traveling with Merriman and their dogs, Legare and Shadow. He delighted in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He cherished Johns Island Presbyterian Church and the spiritual fellowship he found there. He served as an elder and was instrumental in improving and updating the building and grounds of the 300 year-old church. He truly believed God was with him his entire life.
He loved to tell stories, but he loved to listen to others even more. He had a common-sense approach to life that earned him widespread respect, as well as a great capacity for kindness and compassion. He left a deep impression on all who knew him. He will be immensely missed by his loved ones and all the communities of which he was a part.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, George Daniel Barfield and Ann Elizabeth Barfield; brother, Larry Kim Barfield; daughter-in-law, Leigh Miller; and his sweet dog, Legare.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Merriman Lee Dowdle; daughters, Lisa Barfield and Amy Nash (Christopher); sons, Brian Barfield (Deanna), Max Dowdle (Morrow), and Isaac Miller; grandchildren, Alexis Barfield, Trey Smith, Anna Barfield, Katherine Bailey Barfield, Zayne Smith, Colter Smith, Arden Dowdle, Ivy Miller, Ronan Dowdle, and Aaron Miller; sisters, JoAnn Winslow and Michal Godbee; and his beloved dog, Shadow.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, August 9th, at 2 p.m. at Johns Island Presbyterian Church, 2550 Bohicket Road, Johns Island, SC.
Donations in Wayne’s memory can be made to Johns Island Presbyterian Church. It would mean the world to him if you plant a tree, start a garden, donate extra produce you have grown to the hungry, or help a neighbor in any way. This was Wayne’s example in his life and his legacy to all whose lives he touched.
Information submitted by McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation of Charleston, SC.
