Individual Details

Death

Winfred Theo Barbee 'Bob' Mr. Barbee, 89, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones Tuesday, January 6, 2009, after a courageous battle following complications after surgery. Mr. Barbee served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. South Dakota, the most decorated battleship in the South Pacific during WWII. Born in Kinston, NC on December 1, 1919 to Lorenzo and Essie Furr Barbee, he later settled in Charlotte, NC after wedding his beloved wife, Ila, at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington DC, following the war. Mr. Barbee retired from the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Department after 32 years of service. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, a former member of the Huntersville Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and choir member. He was a Ranger at the Highland Creek Golf Club for many years following his retirement from the Sheriffs Department. A man of many interests and talents, Mr. Barbee was a philosopher and lover of history. His passions included his family, music, computers, the Carolina Panthers, and playing golf. His last round of golf included two birdies at Highland Creek Golf Club the week before his surgery. He also was a member of the Cornelius Cut-Ups, a square dance group, for many years. Mr. Barbee enjoyed working with his hands and building golf clubs. Mr. Barbee was preceded in death by his sister Velma Barbee Rosford, and his brother Ronder W. Barbee. Mr. Barbee is survived by his wife, Ila Turner Barbee of 63 years; daughter, Lynda Barbee Snook and husband Spencer of Kingsport, TN; sons, Robert W. Barbee and wife Anita of Charlotte, NC, and Mark T. Barbee of Charlotte, NC; brother A.C. Barbee and wife Josie of Huntersville, NC; grandson, Robert Shawn Hodges and wife Krista of Knoxville, TN; granddaughter, Amanda Barbee Hartsell and husband Anthony of Concord, NC; granddaughter, Megan Leigh Barbee of Huntersville, NC; grandson, Brad Clay and wife Kim of Concord, NC; and grandsons, Shane Deal and Melissa Nelson of Charlotte, NC, and Kevin Snook and wife Jennifer of Kingsport, TN. Great grandchildren include, Ashlyn, Brock, Brady, Taylor, Madison, Peyton, Dakota, Tyler, Jenna, Brittany, and Jacob Alexander Hartsell arriving any day now. There will be a private memorial service on Saturday, January 10, 2009, followed by a celebration of his life at 3:00 p.m. at his home at 5724 Hucks Road, Charlotte, NC. The family would like to thank and acknowledge the efforts of all of the medical staff who worked so hard to give care and comfort to Mr. Barbee during his most difficult times. Published in the Charlotte Observer on 1/8/2009