Robert H. “Barney” Bales, 72, of Friendship passed away at 7:45pm, Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born at the Whitlatch Clinic in Milan on August 2, 1948 the son of Charles and Geneva McClain Bales. Survivors include two sisters Marilyn Hunt of Versailles and Kathern Meyer of Sunman along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his great-great nephew Nolan Gray, and his brothers-in-law Gene Gray and Jerry Meyer. Barney was in the last graduating class of Cross Plains High School in 1966. He enlisted in the US Navy on December 7, 1967 and served on the USS Northampton. He received the National Defense Service Medal for his military service and was discharged on October 1, 1969. He was a former resident of Goodlettsville, Tennessee where he worked in the Tappan factory. When he returned to Ripley County he worked as district one foreman with the Ripley County Highway Department. On the weekends he enjoyed working with and setting up for the Centerline Band. Barney was a former member of the Friendship Fire Department. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 8th at 2pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Sherman Hughes officiating. Burial will be in the Shelby Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Friendship Fire Department in care of the funeral home.