Dakota Barfield

It is with deep sorrow and much love, the family of Dakota Taylor Barfield of Albemarle mourns his unexpected passing on Sunday, November 13, 2022.  Dakota was 29 years old, while young in years lived with an old soul full of grace and wisdom.

Dakota was born on March 23, 1993 in Mecklenburg County and graduated from South Stanly High School in 2011. As a high school student, he won many awards including the Superintendent Leadership Award but was most proud of competing in the SkillsUSA National Competition for Nurse Assisting where he placed seventh among participants from all fifty states. 

After graduation, Dakota worked as a CNA at Bethany Woods where he was a bright spot in the lives of his patients and co-workers. However, Dakota found his niche when he became certified in Electrical and Mechanical technology. He has been employed by Michelin Aircraft Tire Company for the last eight years as a Maintenance Technician. 

Dakota loved heavy metal music and anime along with traveling and trying new foods. It was not surprising to anyone who knew him that he would fall in love with Sofia, his girlfriend from Ecuador. 

Dakota is survived by his parents, Bobby Gene and Cindy Blalock Barfield of Norwood; his sister, Macy Barfield (Seth Mathieu) of Gastonia; grandparents: Toby Taylor of Norwood, Linda Laton of Albemarle, and Gary Blalock of Albemarle. Aunts and Uncles: Kelly B Tyson (Earl Johnson), Brian (Kathy) Taylor, Kelley (Lisa) Blalock, and Tracy (Amy) Blalock and numerous cousins who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his granny, Hilda B. Taylor.

Dakota leaves behind many other family members and friends. As one of his friends said “he was one of the rarities in this world that no one spoke bad of”. He could brighten up a room just by walking in and his smile brought joy to all, especially children. Children seemed to gravitate towards him and he loved spending his time playing and spoiling them. 

The family will receive friends at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 6pm until 8pm. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel  burial will follow at Mt Zion United Methodist Church cemetery in Norwood of which he was a member. 

The family request that memorials be made to the Butterfly House, 923 N Second Street, Suite 101, Albemarle, NC 28001.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dakota Barfield, please visit our floral store.