Ronald “Barney” Eugene Pence

Ronald “Barney” Eugene Pence, 83 years old, of Mt. Juliet, TN, passed away 7:06 am at home in Mt. Juliet, TN. He was born in Greentown, IN, on November 23, 1942, the son of the late Ralph and Bernice Pence. On April 8, 1984, he married Claudia Ann Meyers, and she preceded him in death on August 13, 2021.

Ron “Barney” Pence didn’t have a lot of words… unless he knew you. His sense of humor, laughter, and wiggling mustache was just the beginning. Barney was creative. He had a lust for living life to the fullest and he did just that. Barney didn’t just live, he built. Barney retired from GM as a welder. But the Kentucky Gambler Funny Car was his passion, outside his work and home. He was known in Sharpsville for his race car. People from miles away could hear Barney revving up the race car engine with his best friend, Dan Nimmo, almost daily. Barney Taught himself woodworking skills. He built furniture for family and friends who will always cherish his craft. Barney also passed down his love for football to his grandson, Collin. They would talk after every game about the good, the bad and to basically taunt each other on who’s team/player was better.

Speaking of family, Barney loved his family. He was a family man. Barney came from a big family; 5 siblings, including himself. His father, Ralph and mother, Bernice have passed, along with two siblings. Barney’s wife, Claudia Pence and son, Jamie Green was preceded in death as well.

In Barney’s last years, he resided in Tennessee with his daughter and son-in-law, Kelli and David Thompson. Barney lived his last years doing what he loved; woodworking, building, and restoring older vehicles. He will be deeply missed by the ones he liked. There will never be another Barney Pence.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm Friday January 9, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Sharpsville Chapel, 204 North Church Street, Sharpsville, IN 46068. A funeral service celebrating Barney’s life will begin 1 pm on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

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