Thomas Lee Barney, 77, of Norfolk, Virginia passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 19, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in 1947 in Portsmouth, VA to parents Jacob Arnold Barney and Miriam Eisenberg Barney Katz, Tom was proudly a lifelong Virginian. After graduating in 1965 from Churchland High School, Tom received his undergraduate degree from Athens College in Alabama in 1969. He then went on to earn his degree in law from the University of Memphis in 1972, passing the bar in both states of Tennessee and Virginia that same year where he was a successful attorney for 52 years, 51 of those in Virginia.

In his teenage years, during the summers, Tom worked as a camp counselor. At camp, he was an instructor and lifeguard known for swimming the butterfly and inventing "The Barney Special" – a distinct diving technique leaving campers and staff alike in awe.

Although an accomplished lawyer, where he firmly believed everyone has a story and the right to tell it, Tom was also a sweet husband, devoted stepfather and grandfather and was most proud of his relationships with his wife, step children, and grandchildren – where he was affectionately known as Papa Tom and on occasion…ThomAss.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Marcia H. Barney; step children Lauren Robinson (Russ), Lindsey Ferguson (Rob), both of Charlotte, NC; and Bridger Hodsden (Alice) of Altadena, CA; step-grandchildren Drew, Julia, and Jack Robinson, Lola and Ginger Ferguson, and Rachel and baby-to-be Hodsden; brother John Barney (Linda), niece Jessi Barney Hart (Jamie) and nephew Jake Barney (Laura); grandnieces Abbey Hart and Cammie Barney and grandnephew Ryan Hart, all of Washington, DC and surrounding areas; and cousin Normie Sher (Sandy) of Virginia Beach, VA, as well as other cousins and very dear friends.

Tom loved all music, technology trends, the stock market, a variety of cuisine, traveling, politics, fast cars, and really good coffee. He also had a special love for animals, especially dogs, in particular his last dog Sophie. During his illness, he never once complained "why me?", he just lived and loved life. He will always be remembered for his generosity and kindness, his laughter, clever quips, and his love for his family.

After a private visitation with immediate family, a funeral service will be held at Forest Lawn East Cemetery at 3709 Forest Lawn Drive in Weddington, NC on Friday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow. Both Foster Funeral Home of Portsmouth, VA and Forest Lawn East Cemetery are handling the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be offered in memory of Tom to your local animal shelter or the charity of your choice.
As two parting phrases of Tom's fondness: Kumbaya and Full Tilt Boogie