Scott Reynolds Barkley was born on May 9, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York to William and Libby Barkley. The family moved to North Miami in 1959, where he enjoyed surfing.
He was a United States Army Ranger, 173rd Airborn, from 1969-1970. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze service star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Sharpshooter, and the Purple Heart.
He graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts, graphic arts, and also attended the University of Miami.
He was director of Visual Merchandising for Leggett stores in the late 1970s. He married Sharon Sears in 1977 and they had Brennen in 1980; they were married for 8 years. He married Debra Sousa in 1986 and they had Logan in 1988; they were married for 5 years.
Scott had a wonderful and exciting career and as a Regional Director of Visual Merchandising, working for Maas Brothers, Belk Stores, Mervyn’s, Bass Pro Shops and The Paradies Shops. He lived in the Tampa area for many years. He was recognized for his talents by winning several Visual Merchandising Display awards. He moved to Coral Springs, Fl in 1993, where he started working at Mervyn’s where he met Beth in 1996. He was the District Visual Manager and she was the District Operations Manager. Let’s just say Scotty’s charm caught Beth’s eye and may have led to playing some footsies under the table.
They were married February 14, 1998 after living in Key Largo for a year, and they have lived in Hollywood for 23 years. Together they enjoyed the warm weather, boating (they owned a few!), fishing, golfing and riding his Harley Davidson. He retired in 2008 and enjoyed a life of leisure and hangin’ with the dogs Willy and Minnie. He especially enjoyed historical documentaries and movies about the military.
Scott is survived by his wife, Beth Meyer Barkely; mother, Elizabeth Barkley; Sister, Linda Lee “Lou” Barkley Bear, Patricia Barkley; sons, Brennen Barkley, Logan Barkley and grandson Dax M. Barkley.
Scott lived life on his terms. They had a lot of fun! They had many fabulous vacations with friends and families that we now get to cherish and remember in his honor. He told great stories, ok maybe with a little exaggeration, but that’s why we love him dearly!
Although he didn’t talk about it much, except to tell a great story, he was very proud of his time as an Army Ranger. Unfortunately because of his knee injury sustained while serving and breaking his hip last year, he had a tough recovery but persevered nonetheless.
Scott had a heart of gold, he would give you the shirt off his back. He was tough on the outside, but a very sensitive man on the inside, and always had a reason to enjoy life and he did! We all will miss him tremendously!
We look forward to the time when we will see him again……..”why wouldn’t ya’?”
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to:
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
© 2025 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Debra Barkley
June 22, 2021, 6:02 pm
Loving memory is certainly an underrated phrase, but it’s an accurate expression in the loss of Scott Barkley, my former husband and father to our son, Logan. From my family to yours, we offer sincere heartfelt condolences. Scott left each of us a piece of him. Logan being one of the greatest of those blessings to many.
Richard Brunning
June 22, 2021, 10:24 pm
Scott and I met through our passion for retail visual merchandising. Quickly we became friends back in the 80’s. I admired Scott’s attention to detail and creativity. His artistry in VM was second to none. He was at his best creating visual excitement to entice customers to buy and also teaching store associates tips and tricks along the way to keep a store looking it’s best in his absence. Everyone Scott mentored looked up to him. Store Managers always appreciated what his talents did for their stores.
After hours Scott enjoyed NOT working as much as he did working! I will remember Scott for his joy that he shared with everyone… his motorcycles and boat… his sports cars. We may not have seen the world the same way politically, but he and I shared our love of country.
My prayers go out to Beth and Scott’s family. May they celebrate his life and remember how loving he was to each and every one of us. You will be missed my friend.
Jacqueline Kensler
May 12, 2023, 12:14 am
He was my friend in Charlottesville. He would come into the restaurant where I worked. Very sweet & talented. So sorry to learn of his passing.