Maurice Harold Barksdale, 80, of 320 S. Marion Ave., Covington, Virginia, died Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at Alleghany Regional Hospital in Low Moor. He was formerly of Stockton, CA.

Mr. Barksdale was born July 24, 1929 in Washington, DC, a son of the late Harold T. and Virginia Carter Barksdale.

He served with the United States Army during Korea and Vietnam War and retired as a Major after 23 years of service.

He owned and operated a janitorial service during the latter of his life. He was the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Program in San Joaquin County and the City of Stockton and was the Executive Directory of Opportunities Industrialization Center or San Joaquin County. He served as board member of Community Involvement Program, V.O.P., Family Planning Agency, United Way, and the American Red Cross.

He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, and a graduate of Virginia State College. He was a member and Trustee of Concerned Christian Baptist Church in Covington. He was a past member of the Esquire Club and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Betty Liggins Barksdale of Covington; two daughters, Sandra Barksdale of Covington and Carol Barksdale of Washington, DC; three grandchildren, Christopher Crosby and Shawn Crosby both of Stockton and Jody Birks of Charlotte, NC ; six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Barksdale was preceded in death by a daughter, Maureen Crosby in 1993; and one brother, Edwin Barksdale.

The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Concerned Christian Baptist Church with the Rev. William O. Hickman III officiating.

The interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The funeral service will be held Friday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at the Arritt Funeral Home.

The online guest book is available at www.arrittfuneralhome.com