September 13, 1948: Egypt, GA:
The private family service for Rufus Barrell on Monday, September 13, 1948, held at his family's farm in Egypt, Georgia, was a solemn occasion that brought together the entire Barrell clan. Gathered to pay their respects, they mourned the passing of their beloved family patriarch, Rufus Barrell.
Rollie Barrell, Rufus and Alice's eldest surviving child, took it upon himself to deliver the eulogy in place of his brother Joe. Rollie recognized that Joe would have humorously claimed he wasn't up to the task of delivering a speech, but he also knew Joe would have done an admirable job if called upon.
The weather on that day was pleasant, and the service took place outdoors, a fitting choice for Rufus, who had always been an outdoors enthusiast. While he had initially resisted farm life as a teenager, his deep-rooted connection to the family's land in Egypt, Georgia, had grown over the years, and he had come to love it.
Rollie had dedicated much of the weekend to crafting the eulogy, a task he found challenging. How could one adequately bid farewell to a man who had played such a profound role in shaping his life? The news of Rufus's passing, conveyed by his mother on September 9th, had left Rollie stunned. Rufus had been a constant presence in his life, much like the sun, providing warmth and energy to his children. Now, that light had dimmed.
Rollie arrived in Egypt on Thursday night, having traveled from Detroit to Atlanta by air, a mode of transportation that had significantly shortened the journey compared to the long train rides of the past. Francie and Allie had accompanied him, while Marty, due to her husband's coaching commitments, would arrive on Saturday.
The Barrell family was fully represented at the service. Joe was represented by his children: Deuce, Gloria, Roger Cleaves, and Charlie. Jack, Marie, and their daughters Aggie and Vera had traveled from Toronto. Jean had flown in from New York. Jimmy's son, James Slocum, attended with his wife Rose. Dan and Gladys had arrived from Washington with their sons Mike and Steve. Fred, Tillie, and their family had flown in from Detroit. Fred's family had grown by one - their daughter Loretta had arrived in July, and Fred tearfully mourned the fact that she'd never get to meet her grandfather.
Tom, Bobby, and Harry, all active with FABL ballclubs, had the day off and attended with their spouses and children. The youngest of Rufus and Alice's children, Betsy, was also present, along with her husband, Tom Bowens, who worked as an offensive coach for the Detroit Maroons.
Possum Daniels and his family, and Tom Pontetas, still a bachelor, were the only non-family invited to the service. Rollie wasn't sure that Possum would make it. The loss of his oldest friend had left the old and wheelchair-bound catcher in a deep depression and he'd spoken barely a word, except to Alice. And that had been done privately.
In total, 54 Barrells had gathered, making it an intimate yet sizable funeral. Some were Barrells by marriage, but in the eyes of Rufus and Alice, they were all family. As Rollie escorted his mother to her seat, he asked her to take a moment to look at the assembly. She gazed out at the crowd, and Rollie remarked, "A mighty brood, and a fitting legacy, Mom."
Standing in front of the large and familiar gathering, Rollie knew he had to remain strong as he delivered the eulogy for his father, who had touched so many lives. He began his speech:
"Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends,
We gather here today on this peaceful Georgia farm, a place of cherished memories for our family, to pay our final respects to a remarkable man, Rufus Barrell. Rufus, born right here on June 13, 1873, lived a life of extraordinary character, dedication, and love, leaving an indelible mark on all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rufus was not just my father; he was a husband, a father of ten, a grandfather, and a friend to many. His journey began on this very land, a testament to his deep roots in this community and his enduring connection to the land that he tilled and nurtured.
As we remember Rufus today, we cannot help but think of the profound losses he endured throughout his life. He and my mother, Alice, shared almost six decades together, facing the challenges and joys that life bestowed upon them. They knew the heartache of losing two of their sons, my dear brothers Joe and Jimmy, under circumstances that no parent should ever bear. Those losses weighed heavily on their hearts, a pain that only the strongest of bonds could weather. But through it all, their love remained steadfast, a testament to their resilience and commitment to each other.
Rufus was a man of many talents and passions. He possessed a remarkable gift for the game of baseball. And baseball loved him too - he found not only his wife - my mother Alice - through the game, but also his oldest and best friend, the man for whom I'm named, though we all just call him Possum. As a young man, my father was a supremely talented pitcher, and it seemed as though his future in the sport was boundless. Fate, however, had other plans, and a line drive in New York abruptly ended his playing career. But Pop didn't let that setback define him. He turned his attention to scouting, and in doing so, he discovered a new path—one that would lead to great success and lasting impact for countless aspiring ballplayers.
He co-founded the Omni Scouting Association (OSA) alongside his dear friend and partner, Thomas Potentas. Together, they revolutionized the world of scouting, not only in baseball but across multiple sports. Rufus was a talent whisperer, uncovering hidden gems and future legends. His work with OSA helped shape the landscape of professional sports, and his keen eye for talent earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and players alike.
Rufus' journey took him - and our family various places, most notably to Brooklyn where he worked for the Kings, but also to Washington, and Cincinnati. He served as a scouting director and even took on the role of club president of the Eagles during the tumultuous times of World War II. His dedication to the game and his unshakeable integrity made him a beloved figure in the FABL community. Were this not a private, family gathering, we'd need the Bigsby Oval to hold all the people who'd gather to pay their respects to Rufus Barrell.
In this year of 1948, a year that will forever be etched in our hearts in joy and sadness, Rufus received the highest honor any baseball professional can attain: induction into the Hall of Fame. It was a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport he loved and the impact he had on countless lives.
But beyond his professional achievements, Rufus was a loving father, a guiding presence, and a source of unwavering support to all of us. He instilled in his children the values of hard work, perseverance, honesty, and loyalty, qualities that have defined our family for generations.
As we bid farewell to Rufus today, let us remember the legacy he leaves behind - look around you, it is here and all around us. In fact, it is us. Let us cherish the memories of his warm smile, his wise counsel, and his boundless love. In his honor, may we carry forward the values he held dear, and may we continue to nurture the bonds of family and friendship that were so important to him.
Rufus, you may have left this earthly realm, but your spirit lives on in our hearts and in the stories we share. Your legacy is secure, and your memory will forever be a guiding light in our lives.
Rest in peace, Pop. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten."
The words echoed across the Georgia farm, a fitting tribute to a man who had left an indelible mark on his family and the world of sports. Rufus Barrell may have passed on, but his legacy lived on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.
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The Barrell Family Farm, 1948
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