Rev. Charlie Barber, Sr. was born December 15, 1923 to the late Mr. George and Cora Barber of West Point, GA. At the age of 95 years old, Rev. Barber passed away at his home in Barberville. He was predeceased in death by a son, (Charlie Barber, Jr.), one sister, (Sarah Smith), 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 February 17, 1943, he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served until November 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 3 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, Lanett, AL 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.

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, West Point, GA; here he served as Superintendent of Sunday School for over twenty-five years, as a deacon and on the board of trustees. He served as associate pastor under Rev. R. J. Brown.

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. Rev. Barber accepted God’s call to preach the gospel. He delivered his first sermon December 12, 1994 and was licensed June 4, 1995. He attended Bryant Theological Seminary School held at Friendship Baptist Church Hamilton, GA. Rev. Barber was presented his Certificate of Ordination on December 12, 2004.

Rev. Barber let his light shine in his home, church, and the community. He served as PTO president for Johnson Elementary School during the 1960’s. He served for many years as scout master for West Georgia Council Region Six, Boy Scouts of America. 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. Rev. Charlie Barber leaves to cherish his love and memories: 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; thirteen 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; twelve great-grandchildren, Tedra, Rafael, Jordan, Jada, Giselle, Kimora, Katelyn, Leila, Marquis, Maleah, Braxton, and Bryson; two sisters-in-laws, Lillian Barber, 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 Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. from the Bethlehem Baptist Church with the Dr. W. T. Edmondson, Pastor, Eulogist, Rev. Larry West, Rev. Lonnie L. Thornton, Sr., Rev. Alton Barber, assisting.

Interment will take place on Monday, September 23, 2019 in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, AL.

The remains will lie in state at the church on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.