Terry Samuel Barkin

Terry Samuel Barkin, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family in the evening of Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Mobile Infirmary. He was born August 4, 1938 in Atlanta Georgia to Isadore and Jean Epstein Barkin. At an early age, his lover for retail was fostered in his family’s store in Winter Haven, Florida. Terry was a graduate of the University of Michigan in 1960 and earned his Masters in Business Administration from NYU Stern the following year. He served the country as a member of the Coast Guard Reserves. In 1984, he ended a long tenure at Rich’s Department store in Atlanta as a Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager to found Shoe Station in Mobile, Alabama. His company revolutionized the open-shelf concept for footwear and now employs over 500 people in 19 stores spanning five states.

Terry Barkin was best known for his honesty, integrity, attire, business acumen, acerbic wit, and uncanny ability to obtain answers to tough, pointed questions. It is nearly impossible to find anyone who worked with him that did not respect him. His stern exterior and relentless work ethic masked a man who found humor in often the most challenging of situations. He loved his children and adored his grandchildren. He also valued learning, encouraging all of his children to attain higher education and establishing a scholarship at the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his mother Jean and father Isadore. He is survived by his wife of 9 years Theresa (she-Terry); brother Marvin; sons James, Brent, Brad and Jordan, by his daughter Katherine (Kelly); his son-in-law Dustin, his daughters-in-law Julie and Lauren; and his grandchildren Katherine (Kate), Walker, Barrett (Bear), Joseph and Jackson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends, and family are invited to celebrate the life of this unique soul on Tuesday July 12, at The Springhill Avenue Temple. Visitation will be at 11AM-Noon, services will begin at Noon. A short graveside farewell will take place at the Springhill Avenue Temple Cemetery at 2PM. Condolences may be offered online at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.