COLUMBUS, NC - Robert Francis Barber, Sr., 71, of Tribranch Farm, Columbus, NC died Thursday, December 20, 2007 in Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in Spartanburg, SC. Born in Hendersonville, NC, he was the son of the late Leonard Banks Barber and Hilda Burgess Barber. He was a graduate of N.C. State and Gardner Webb Universities. He served as a Cooperative Extension Agent for Sampson and Polk County. Later, became a full time dairy farmer and was a 4-H volunteer for 22 years. Additionally, he served as President of Western North Carolina Community Development Association, President of Green Creek Ruritan Club, President of the Polk County Cattlemen's Association, member of the Polk County School Board for 4 years and member of the Columbus Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon. He had a passion for agriculture and always loved to share his livelihood with others. Mr. Barber is survived by his wife of 44 years, Evangelena Linney Barber; two daughters, Linney Barber Richards of Lecanto, FL and Lucy Barber of Morganton, NC; two sons, Robert Barber, Jr. of Columbus, NC and Chauncey Barber and his wife, Monica of Mill Spring, NC. Also surviving are two grandsons, Chan and Banks. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 23, 2007 in the Columbus Presbyterian Church, Columbus, NC with Dr. James McPherson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fred Ashley Assembly Hall of the Columbus Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to Little Mountain Scholarship, 438 Willow Creek Rd., Leicester, NC 28748 which Mr. Barber established in memory of his late brother, Leonard Banks. The scholarship helps fund Western North Carolina high school graduates post secondary education who desire to major in the agricultural field. Family and friends can also choose to make memorials to the Riddle Institute, P.O. Box 250, Morganton, NC 28680 or to a charity of your choice.
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