SGM Homer Will Barbary Sr.

He was born on December 31, 1931, in Edison, Georgia to the late Ambus and Mary (Ingram) Barbary. In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by beautiful loving wife Sara Elizabeth (Reese) Barbary, daughters Ella Lorraine (Reece) Barbary, Joyce Lynn Ortiz, Julia Diane Conyers: brothers, Lester L. Barbary, Ambus Barbary Jr., West B. Barbary, Charlie L. Barbary, and sister Rebecca Neomie Hardge.

Homer leaves in God's care his loving children; Carol G. Barbary, Cynthia E. Ward, Homer W. Barbary, Jr. (Pete), Marisa J. Miller, Michael W. Barbary, Mark Q. Barbary, Sara B. Barbary, Juana E. Barbary, and Brian P. Barbary; sisters Mary L. Mims, Emma Jean Barbary and Ozie Nell Crawford. A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

He received his early childhood education at Sandersville Elementary School and Edison High School in Edison, Georgia. Homer was a high school basketball star player.

At the age of 20, Homer enlisted in the United States Army. He valued this service highly and attained the highest enlisted senior rank of Sergeant Major. His military career encompasses the Korean Combat Conflict Era, Vietnam Era Combat tours and Peacetime veteran, Homer served 31 years and ten months in the U.S. Army with distinction from July 19, 1951, to May 31, 1983.

His leadership positions in the military included Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant First Class, Infantryman 11 Bravo 50 Hotel, First Sergeant, and Sergeant Major. He completed all NCOES levels. ITC Instructor training course hotel designator. He virtually served in every military leadership position.

Homer’s military education qualifications included: Basic Rifle Marksmanship Expert, Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB), Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) 2nd award, Parachutes Badge, Senior Parachutes Badge, Jump Master, Recondo Jungle Warfare school graduate, Armor Gunnery school graduate / Army Senior Sergeant 19Zulu50 and Special weapons advisor – Vietnam Combat tour. Regional and Popular Forces Advisor School.

Homer was a Bronze Star recipient awardee for Valor 2OLC for two combat zone tours in Vietnam. He was also awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry after his first Vietnam Combat tour. Homer was a highly decorated soldier with many awards and commendations to include Meritorious Service Award, Army Commendation Medal Award 2OLC. He was the pinnacle of a true United States Army Soldier!

Post retirement career comprised of; 1) Defense Construction Supply Center (DFAS)-Senior Police Officer; 2) California Plant Protection, Inc.-Security Officer; 3) City of Columbus-Department of Community Services; 4) National City Bank – Security Police Officer: 5) Weapons Transportation Officer-Patriot PAC3 Missiles. He attended McKendree College, Louisville, Kentucky from 1979-1980 and Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee in 1988.

He was a dedicated member of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church, 7 Henderson Road, Columbus, where his funeral service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 3-7 pm at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 North High Street. Entombment will be at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road. Live streaming available at the following links:

https://www.maplegroveumc.org

https://www.facebook.com/maplegroveumc

https://www.youtube.com/@maplegroveumc8241/videos

Soldiers never die they only fade away.