Joe Barber

Mr. Joe Bryant Barber, age 86, of Macclenny, FL died Friday, May 13, in Shands Medical Center, Jacksonville, FL following a brief illness. His family was at his side. Joe was born December 3, 1929 to Charles Monroe Barber and Pearl Garrett Barber and he was the youngest of six children. On December 31, 1949 he married Evelyn Thrift Of Macclenny. Mr. Barber was a lifelong resident of Baker County and a proud 5th generation Floridian. He started out as a "cow hunter", driving piney woods cattle to market with his family and managing cattle for Owens- Illinois timber company. Later he owned and operated gas stations and the Turkey Creek Restaurant. During the 1960's he was first appointed and then elected Constable of the Macclenny District. This began his law enforcement career. Eventually, he retired from the Baker County Sheriff's Department as Chief Deputy, a title that was retired with him, though many still referred to him as Chief. After his retirement, he continued to advise local law enforcement and remained active in the community. His love of family knew no bounds. He enjoyed hosting family gatherings, giving away vegetables from his garden and hugs and kisses with his great grandchildren. Mr. Barber is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Cary Barber, George Barber, Edward Barber, Wm (Dub) Barber, and Dorothy Barber Spence. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Evelyn: one son, Gary (Kathy) Barber: one daughter, Melissa (Steve) Adams: grandchildren, Tracy (Sheldon) Archambault, Todd (Jennifer) Barber, Ashlea Stuart, Lindsay Thomas and great grandchildren, Julia, Harper, Grace, Blaine, and Kate. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. A funeral service to honor the life of Mr. Barber will be held, Wednesday, May 18 at 11 A.M., in the First Baptist Church of Macclenny, Macclenny, Fl, with Dr. Edsel Bone, Rev. Grant Barber, and Rev. Johnny Raulerson, officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Baker County, Florida.  Visitation and gathering with the family will be on Tuesday, May 17 from 6 to 8 P.M. at the church. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, U.S. 90 east, MacClenny, Florida is in charge of arrangements.

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