Joseph Barber

Joseph “Joe” Barber, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Haven Hospice of Orange Park with his daughter, Carol, and his son, Jim, at his side. He fought the good fight to the very end. The son of Russian immigrants, Joe was born January 20, 1924 in Englishtown, New Jersey. He attended high school in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. In 1942, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy and served with honor in the Seabees, 7th Special Battalion, stationed in Dutch Harbor ADAK, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. After three years, Joe was sent to Port Wieneme in California, and from there he shipped out with the 36th Special Battalion to Okinawa, where, beginning April 1, 1945, he was a part of the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater during World War II. On more than one occasion, Joe witnessed kamikaze pilots so close to him he could see their faces as they flew to their intended targets. Joe was honorably discharged as a Motor Machinist's 2nd Class on December 1, 1945.

In 1948, Joe began his 36 year career as a Greyhound bus driver, based out of Daytona. He retired in 1984 at number 3 on the seniority list. Joe was an experienced truck driver before he started with Greyhound. When he was a high schooler, he worked as a fuel truck delivery driver in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. While working out of Daytona, he met Ruth Lemen, and on June 9, 1955 they were married. With their children in tow, Joe and Ruth moved to Jacksonville in 1962. Joe had a stellar career with Greyhound, making countless friends during those years, as he drove well over 1,000,000 miles for the company. Joe loved anything that had a motor. He always had several cars, usually at least one truck, boats, ATVs, motorhomes, a motorcycle, and an airplane. Flying was one of his favorite hobbies, and he loved flying single engine planes, including his own primary trainer or that owned by his brother, Leon. In 1972, Joe and Leon flew a single engine plane to New York for a family wedding. Joe and Ruth loved North Carolina, and bought land on “Greyhound Mountain” in Tuxedo, where he literally built a home in the late 1980s. His family continues to enjoy the home to this day. During the last several years, Joe lived at Taylor Manor, where he made many close friends, including residents and staff who loved his company.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Yetta Barber, his sister Charlotte, his brothers Leon and Marty, his wonderful wife of 45 years, Ruth, his son Tommy and great-granddaughter Braelyn, and his niece Roberta Reid. He is survived by his daughter, Carol Hamilton (Clark); his son, Jim Barber (Cindy); grandchildren, Paige, Colin, Clark III (Danielle), Joey and Madison; and great-grandson, Clark IV. He is also survived by nieces, Judy Zimmerman (Lenny), Kim Barber; and nephew, Rick Blum (Carita).

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 23rd in Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville FL.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24th in Mount Sinai Cemetery, 340 White Street, Daytona Beach, FL. 32114, with Rabbi Courtney Berman of Temple Beth El – Ormond Beach, as Officiant.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to St. Vincent’s Medical Center of Clay County and to Haven Hospice for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided to Joe during his final illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable contribution to the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32216 or to Haven Hospice Orange Park, 745 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park, Florida 32065. May Joe’s name always be for a blessing.

Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.