Ricky Barry Barbour

Ricky Barry Barbour, 64, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Ricky was born on February 2, 1954 in Fort Benning, Georgia to the late Maurice and Phyllis Barbour. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donna Payne Barbour, to whom he was married for 46 years. In addition, Ricky is survived by his two loving daughters, Lisa Forehand and Jennifer Barbour, and two loving and wonderful sons-in-law, Jody Forehand and Bill Zubaty. His proudest legacy are his five grandchildren, Brooke, Hannah and Wes Forehand and Gabe and Ella Grace Zubaty. He is also survived by three sisters, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. His sharp wit, wildly inappropriate sense of humor, and devilish grin will be missed dearly. Ricky attended Lane High School, where he was a member of the football team and track team. He and Donna, who lived just a block apart, began dating in high school. He often remarked that the day she agreed to a date was the best day of his life. Ricky was a self-taught musician, who played the piano and guitar with a band. After high school, Ricky studied electronics and circuit theory and began working for his father at B&W Electronics in Charlottesville. In addition to working with his father, Ricky and “Big Rick” also played in a country band together. In 1977, Ricky began exhibiting signs of what was later diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis in 1981. It was then that one his mottos in life became evident: if you don’t mind, it don’t matter. With each progression of his disease, Ricky set about finding a way to make it not matter to his quality of life. When he was no longer able to work in 1985, he set his mind to learning to cook so Donna would not have to after her days at work. He and his daughters concocted many meals, some they have thankfully forgotten, while others like “Ricky’s Revenge” are still staples at the Barbour household. He used his time at home to practice his other motto: a young mind is a terrible thing not to mess with. As a result, his two daughters continue his wildly inappropriate sense of humor for another generation. He developed an interest in computer science, and taught himself computer programming languages. Until MS took the use of his arms, Ricky tested various products for a computer company and was very active in early bulletin board communities online. His vivacious personality and charming nature was not diluted by the cold medium of the internet. He made numerous life-long friends who would eventually meet the man behind the screen. To Ricky, it was confirmation there was more to him than just his dashing good looks. Ricky’s other motto – it can always get worse – led him to remember those less fortunate than him. Until MS rendered him a complete quadriplegic, Ricky volunteered with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He coordinated making many wishes come true for children and their families remotely from his home office. Hidden behind his sense of humor and dry wit was Ricky’s tender heart that drove his volunteering efforts. His family would like to thank his doctors, the late James Knight, M.D., and Louisa Hann, M.D., who helped care for Ricky over his lifetime; Legacy Hospice for helping him and his loving family find peace with his 41-year battle finally coming to an end; the amazing and attentive nurses, PCAs, physicians, residents and medical students at the UVA Medical Center who cared for him over the last few months and helped us have one last Thanksgiving and Christmas together; and his caregiver, Paula Coles, who always laughs at his jokes in between caring for him so tenderly. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Teague Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with interment immediately following at Monticello Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Ricky’s honor to Legacy Hospice, the Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad, or the Make-a-Wish Foundation.