Timothy Barnwell

Timothy Michael Barnwell left this earth too soon.  He passed away on June 4, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, OK, with his loving children by his side. Timmy was born in Vinita, OK on June 9, 1966 to Jimmy Barnwell and Wanda (Hamilton) Barnwell. Timmy went to Jay High School and was a graduate of the Class of 1984. Timmy attended both NEO in Miami, OK and NSU in Tahlequah, OK. Timmy married Shelley Tanner and together they had three children, Tabius, Jimmi, and Jonni Barnwell.  Timmy loved his children and grandchildren more than life itself.

Timmy was a big ole “Momma’s boy” and there was no denying it.  Timmy and his mother had such a special bond, unconditional love and understanding for one another. He was such a sweet little boy and had such a big and tender heart.  He was loved not only by his family and friends, but by anyone who was lucky enough to have known him.  He always had such an easy-going personality and that was just one of the many things that drew people to him. He was a great big “teddy bear” at heart and the girls always loved him. He was so fun to be around and his sense of humor was legendary.

Timmy was a very talented, stand-out athlete in football and wrestling at Jay High School.  His love and passion for wrestling stayed with him throughout his life.  He qualified and placed in the top 3 at the state wrestling tournament 3 years in a row, in both the 190 and heavyweight divisions.  His mom and dad were so proud of him and never missed a match or game. Timmy could easily take down an opponent and pin them in a matter of seconds, but he was also humble and enjoyed toying around on the mat and making it a good match.  If Timmy ever got you in a headlock though, you didn’t stand a chance.

Timmy was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and was very proud of his Cherokee heritage.  He had a variety of jobs throughout his life and was always such a hard worker. When Timmy wasn’t at work, he was spending his time with family and friends.  He loved fishing and spent as much time as he could at the creek.  However, nothing could compare to the love he had for his children and grandchildren. He loved being a Papa.  Timmy will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his entire community.

Timmy is survived by his children Tabius, Jimmi, and Jonni Barnwell, his father Jimmy Barnwell and Cathy Speer, his brother Eddie and wife Leann, sisters Shannon Ellis and Heather Barnwell, and his grandchildren, Renesmee, Josiah, Micah, and Lillian, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Timmy is preceded in death by Shelley Tanner Barnwell, the mother of his children, his mother Wanda (Hamilton) Barnwell, nephew Caleb Barnwell, great niece Braelyn Bible, and cousin Jason Hamilton.

Services will be held at Mose Ridge Cemetery on June 10, 2022 at 1:00 pm, he is under the care of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home.