Joseph Richard Barber, Jr.

Mr. Joseph Richard Barber, Jr., age 84 of Wilkesboro passed away peacefully Monday, November 11, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, November 18, 2019 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with The Rev. Kedron Nicholson and The Rev. Dn. Susan Whittington officiating.  The family will receive in the Parish House of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church following the service.

Mr. Barber was born February 6, 1935 in Wilkes County to Joseph Richard and Nell Somers Barber.  He attended Wilkesboro High School where he played on the undefeated 1951 football team.  He graduated from Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, VA where he served on the honor council.  He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  After he was employed at RJ Reynolds and Archer Aluminum, he met his wife, Willie Dagenhart Barber.  Later he was employed at Holly Farms Industries and Tyson Foods.  After joining Tyson Foods he and his wife lived in Springdale, AR for 27 years.  He was an avid golfer and a long time member of Oakwoods Country Club and Springdale Country Club.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro and St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Springdale, AR. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Willie Dagenhart Barber of the home, a daughter, Sara Elizabeth Poydock of Lexington and a son, Joseph Richard Barber III of Wilkesboro; two grandchildren, Anna Elizabeth Poydock and Abby Grace Poydock and one sister, Sara Barber Weatherman of Lewisville.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 95, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 or Humane Society of Wilkes, PO Box 306, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com 

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