KLEMME BOOK

Graydon Lee Barz

1937 - 2021


Graydon Lee Barz February 11, 1937 - January 13, 2021 It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Graydon L. Barz of Holden Beach from complications with Pulmonary Fibrosis and pneumonia. He was born on February 11, 1937 in Klemme, Iowa. He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Marlene H. Barz. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene J. Barz and his children, Graydon L. Barz, Jr. (Michele), and Kerstin L. Kaiser (Jerry) and grandchildren, Graydon Robert and Ariana Barz and Griffin and Mason Kaiser, his dear brother, Harvey Barz (Dora), and sister, Myrna Main ( Sam). He had an idyllic childhood growing up in the very small town of Klemme and grew up working at many different jobs Including mucking out chicken coops in a hatchery and helping in the local butcher shop . He was a graduate of what is now Northern Iowa University. He joined the Navy in 1960 and served on the USS Oriskany, Monrovia, and Mcmorris in seas and ports around the world. After active service he began a career in the Naval Field Operational Intelligence Office in Washington, DC, from which he retired in 1992. In retirement he and Marlene H. lived at Lake Gaston, NC, and then for many years in St. James Plantation. He began painting in oils in the colorist style, mostly landscapes, water, and boat and beach scenes and also began carving wonderful Santa Claus figures and birds. The birds were often created from unique pieces of driftwood for which he carved and painted realistic heads. He will be remembered for his love of music; singing with a surprisingly high tenor voice with his brother while they washed and dried the dishes every night and in various church choirs and the Sea Notes Choral Society of which he was president one year; listening to music of all genres from old time blues to country, big band to opera while painting. He loved his golf buddies and fellow artists in his painting group, and the Bridge and Hand and Foot partners with whom he played over the years. But mostly he will be remembered for his kindness, his caring ways and his love for his family and friends. We loved you so much, dear Graydon. No services are planned at this time. A Life Celebration for will be held at a later date. Contributions in Graydon’s memory may be made to either of two churches: St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4843 Southport-Supply Road SE, Southport, NC 28461 or Holden Beach Chapel, 107 Rothschild Street, Supply NC 28462.