Thelma Barber, and eldest brother to the late Maley Barber, stepped onto
heaven’s shores Monday, July 20, 2020 after a sudden and difficult illness. He
was born February 16, 1938 in Virginia.
The strong and gentle patriarch of his family, Jim loved his Savior and his
family most of all. He was known as a kind, quiet man of deep faith, integrity,
compassion and wisdom.
From his childhood Jim was a leader as first chair violin and all state Florida
track champion. He served his country in the US Air Force and the Reserves
from 1961-1966; served as a University Adjunct Professor at Bob Jones
University in Greenville, teaching one of their first computer courses; worked
with cutting edge Information Systems Technology with IBM for 25 years, and
served in executive management with both Michelin and Ahold Delhaize.
Over the years, Jim worshipped actively in the Southside Baptist Augusta
Road Choir, Men of Praise and Sunday School, and in the Riverside Baptist
Choir and Sunday School. Last year, July 7th, he and his wife joined
Southside Baptist Church of Greer.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Ann Handy Barber; his
daughters, Melody Barber Yasi and husband, Robert; Nancy Barber Bopp
and husband, Jay; Lynnell Barber Brownlow, and husband, Russell; and son,
James (Jim) William Barber (USMC, Ret.); as well as nine grandchildren and
six great grandchildren: Chelsea Bopp Fraser and Iain (children Kade, Callum
and Duncan), Hatherleigh Bopp Miller and David (children Apollos, Archie and
Ernest), Christina Yasi, Nicholas Yasi, Kaleigh Brownlow, Abigail Brownlow,
Russell Brownlow, Jr, Asher Brownlow and Gannon Brownlow. He is also
survived by his dear sisters and their families, Patti Barber Oliver (Syl Oliver)
and Dana Barber Lawler and husband, Tom; and his extended and dearly
loved family in Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday July 26, 2020 at 3:00 pm at the Chapel at Mackey Mortuary at 311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607. A private interment service will be held at a later date at Dolly Cooper Military Memorial Cemetery in Anderson, SC.
Mackey Mortuary is opened at half capacity, and practices the recommended
health precautions with attention to the safety of all who attend.
