Rev. Charlie Barber, Sr. — 1923-2019

Published 11:43 pm Friday, September 20, 2019

The Rev. Charlie Barber, Sr. was born Dec. 15, 1923, to the late Mr. George and Cora Barber, of West Point. At the age of 95 years old, the Rev. Barber passed away at his home in Barberville. 

He was predeceased in death by a son, Charlie Barber, Jr.; one sister, Sarah Smit); and five bothers, Marvin Barber, George Barber, Cleve Barber, John W. Barber and Pal E. Barber.

Charlie grew up the Barberville Community and attended school in Alabama. On Feb. 17, 1943, he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served until Nov. 2, 1945, when he was honorably discharged. 

Private First-Class Charlie Barber served as a truck driver and storm boat operator. He received numerous accommodations for his military service including, but not limited to Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII and Marksman Badge with Rifle Small Bore Bar. 

On July 29, 1954, he married Synella Andrews and to their union, God blessed them with four children. He graduated from Lanier High School in Lanett on May 21, 1956. 

Charlie was a man with many talents and wore many hats. He completed certification for boat motor repair from a technical college in Wisconsin. He retired from Skinner’s Corporation with over 32 years of dedicated service in 1989. 

The Rev. Barber loved the Lord and would teach and preach the word whenever given the opportunity. At a young age, he joined Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in West Point; here he served as Superintendent of Sunday School for over 25 years as a deacon and on the board of trustees. He served as associate pastor under the Rev. R. J. Brown. 

The Rev. Barber was involved in numerous other church affiliations and programs, including the Baptist Training Union (BTU) Congress, Sunday School Rally, and the Usher Board Conventions. Charlie was very instrumental in the rebuilding of Mt. Nebo sanctuary. 

The Rev. Barber accepted God’s call to preach the gospel. He delivered his first sermon on Dec.12, 1994, and was licensed on June 4, 1995. He attended Bryant Theological Seminary School held at Friendship Baptist Church in Hamilton, Georgia. 

The Rev. Barber was presented his Certificate of Ordination on Dec. 12, 2004. 

The Rev. Barber let his light shine in his home, church and the community. He served as PTO president for Johnson Elementary School during the 1960s. He served for many years as scoutmaster for West Georgia Council Region Six, Boy Scouts of America. The Rev. Barber dedicated his service in several civic organizations throughout Harris, Troup, and Meriwether counties. 

These civic organizations include Equal Employment Opportunity Agency, Voter Registration and a host of others.

 The Rev. Charlie Barber leaves to cherish his love and memories, including his wife of 65 years, Synella Andrews Barber; four children, Sybrenna (Rev. Lonnie) Thornton, Sr., Myron Barber, Sandra Adams, and Carl (Tamera) Barber; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Barber; 13 grandchildren, Marcus Barber, Racquel (Taurus) Carter, Brian (Lashae) Winston, Carla Thornton, Amy Thornton, Lonnie Thornton, Jr., David Thornton, Marquis Adams, Ashley Adams, Jacolby Thornton, Jelesa Barber, Takia McCormick and Myles Barber; 12 great-grandchildren, Tedra, Rafael, Jordan, Jada, Giselle, Kimora, Katelyn, Leila, Marquis, Maleah, Braxton and Bryson; two sisters-in-laws, Lillian Barber and Betty (Emerson) Smith; two brother-in-laws, Willie (Theresa) Andrews and Fred (Selena) Andrews; and a host of other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. from the Bethlehem Baptist Church with the Dr. W. T. Edmondson, Pastor, Eulogist, the Rev. Larry West, the Rev. Lonnie L. Thornton, Sr., Rev. Alton Barber, assisting. 

Interment will take place on Sept. 23 in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell.

The remains will lie in state at the church on Sept. 22 from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour. 

To express online condolences, visit www.mwleemortuary.com.

Final arrangements entrusted to M. W. Lee Mortuary of West Point.