Hinson Barfield

Funeral services for Hinson M. ""Cat"" Barfield, 79, of Huntington, will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Huntington with Brother Adrian Neal officiating. Interment will follow in the Fielder Cemetery in the Homer/Bald Hill Community.
Mr. Barfield was born May 23, 1933 in Trinity, Texas to the late Iva Pearl (Gary) and John Henson Barfield. He went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 15, 2012 after a lengthy illness.
""Cat"" was a gifted athlete and excelled in all sports. In high school, he played football for the Conroe Tigers. By the time he had graduated in 1951, ""Cat"" had been voted as an ""all state"" halfback his junior and senior years and was voted ""Most Valuable District Player"" in 1950.
Another highlight was when he played in the 1951 Texas North/South all star football game in San Antonio and was coached by University of Alabama head coach and icon, Paul ""Bear"" Bryant.
""Cat"" was an accomplished golfer and member at the Lufkin Country Club for thirty years.
He truly had the gift of hospitality and never met a stranger. His home was always open to everyone and filled with the smell of something good cooking; he didn't want anyone to ever leave hungry. He was a natural storyteller, had a great sense of humor and could make anyone feel at ease; his home was always filled with spirited conversation and lots of laughter.
Something not everyone knew about him, however, was how well he could sing. He especially loved to sing his favorite hymn, ""How Great Thou Art,"" which could bring tears to the eyes.
Mr. Barfield served two years in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged.
He was an employee of Champion newsprint paper mill in Lufkin for 35 years. Mr. Barfield worked as an electrician and was a proud member of the IBEW Local 1645, where he served as a strong leader and advocate for worker's rights.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Andrea Barfield of Huntington, ""the most beautiful thing [he'