Roger Allen Barnhill (60), of Leesburg, FL, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 13, 2018 after a short battle with both heart and renal disease. Roger was born on November 18, 1958 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Allen and Marilyn Barnhill. He attended and graduated from North Linn High School class of 1977. After school, Roger moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he enlisted in the Army Signal School at Fort Gordon where he graduated in 1982. Roger stayed there for many years doing different security jobs through Pinkerton, P&J Serial Plant, and the burn unit at a local hospital in Georgia. In 1999, he met his future-wife, DeAnna, and their adventure transferred him to Michigan where he worked in security for Sparrow Hospital and TCI Security Company. Unfortunately, Roger was forced to retire in 2015 due to health issues.

Roger was an avid amateur radio enthusiast since 2003, with Call Sign AB8RX. This allowed him to make contacts around the world – something he was very proud of – along with winning several awards. He also enjoyed music of any kind, but his favorite was Classic Rock, especially the Eagles, Bob Seger and Boston. Roger was a huge sports fan: For hockey, he loved the Redwings, Chicago Blackhawks and even college-level with Michigan State hockey. When it came to NASCAR, he was a Gordon fan. Roger was such a "True Blue" Cub's fan that he cried when they won the World Series, but also loved the Detroit Tigers. As for football, he loved his Iowa Hawkeyes, Denver Broncos, Michigan State Spartans ("Go Green, Go White!"). The running joke about Roger was that he loved anyone who played Michigan and Ohio!

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Marilyn; by his step-mother, Helen; by his sister, Karen; and by his seven babies lost through miscarriage.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 19 years, DeAnna Gardner Barnhill; his brother-in-laws, Duane Gardner of Lansing, MI, and Jeff Gardner, along with his wife, Ann, of Nashville, MI; his nieces and nephews: Josha and Megan Gardner (Port Huron, MI), Jessi Gardner and Justin Gardner (both of Lansing, MI); Ashley Dilts Gardner (Freeport, MI); Christina, Casey & Cody (Nashville, MI); his great-niece and great-nephews: Harper, Julien (Roger's Birthday Buddy), and Camoren; his cousin, Linda Brown (Axtell, TX); as well several distant cousins and many dear friends whom he considered family. We certainly cannot forget his "little girl", Kitty Boo.

A Celebration of Life for Roger will take place at Bonfire Mobile Park Clubhouse, located at 620 Misti Drive, Leesburg, FL, 34788, on February 17, 2019 at 3:00 PM. If you would like to attend, please email DeAnna@Imdeeangel@gmail.com so that the family can assure there is enough food and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his wife, DeAnna, to help off-set the costs of funeral expenses and unexpected bills. Please write above email for information.

Another Celebration of Life for Roger is anticipated during the "Summer" months in Michigan, however time, place and date have yet to be determined.