Coach Leroy Barkley officially retires from Graceville School

Graceville School’s Coach Leroy Barkley has officially retired after 13 years with the Jackson County School District. A graduate of Graceville High School Class of 1976, Barkley continued his education at Wallace College in Dothan from 1977 to 1978 where he also played baseball.

Of his 13 years at the Jackson County School District, eight of those have been at Graceville School. While there he held many hats including Assistant Baseball Coach for 7 years and Head Baseball Coach for 4 years. His Graceville baseball jersey # 8 was retired in 2019 and he was a crucial part of getting the Graceville High School Baseball Dugout dedicated to fellow Tiger, Kim Miller and the Graceville Baseball Concession Stand dedicated to Graceville educator and supporter Amy Miller.

When asked about his time in the Jackson County school system, Barkley commented, “ My most enjoyable time at Graceville was mentoring the kids and coaching sports.” He continued speaking about his time at Jackson Alternative stating, “Working at Jackson Alternative helped me learn about the importance of loving kids and talking with them every day.” Barkley was also awarded School Related Employee of the Year at both Graceville School and Jackson Alternative School.

He finished speaking what he’ll miss noting, “coming to work every day and seeing my coworkers and especially the kids.” He went on to say that his “favorite moment was Barkley Friday when I dance and played music with the kids.” He finished giving a little wisdom that he has learned from his years in the education system stating, “My advice to everyone is just relax and talk to the kids and get to know them.”

Barkley and his wife Rachel have been married 29 years and reside in Graceville. They have five children, Nicholas, Patrice, Daisy, Carmelita and Niyah as well as five grandchildren, Nariah, Nick, Nehemiah, Rose and Aveya.

To subscribe to The Graceville News visit Pricing Plans.