James Barbee Jr.

James D. Barbee Jr., 82, husband of Darolyn Barbee of Spartanburg, SC, graduated to glory on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Born September 3, 1936, in Knoxville, TN, he was the son of the late James and Lois Barbee. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Jim was an ardent fan of all the UNC athletics. Per his request: "He was not Tar Heel born, but was Tar Heel bred, and now he is Tar Heel dead." He spent a lifelong career in textile management with various companies in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina, retiring from Inman Mills in Inman, SC. At various times in his life, Jim was a member of Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, and Lions Club. He was a master gardener, enjoyed playing golf, working in his yard, watching sports, serving his church in various capacities, and enjoying time with family and friends. He was currently a member at Morningside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, where he served multiple times on the Deacon Board and on several committees. "He was happiest ushering for services and washing dishes for fellowship activities." In addition to his wife, Darolyn, he is survived by his sons: Jay and his children, Sivana and Sierra, all of Spartanburg, SC, Joe (Dorothy) and his children, Kalli Layton and Tori Barbee, all of Charlotte, NC, and John (Kerrie) and their children, Bruce and Juliann, all of Medfield, MA, and a great-granddaughter, Penelope Barbee of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving are his stepsons: David Downing (Kristie) of Bowling Green, KY and their children, Dr. Ashley Dick of Mt. Juliet, TN, Bryan Downing (Amanda), Tate Downing, and Colby Downing, all of Bowling Green, KY, Neal Downing (Joy) of Bowling Green, KY, and Mark Downing (Cathy) and their children, Jackson and Jacob Downing, all of Dove Canyon, CA; stepdaughter: Linda Whittington (Rick) of Brownsville, KY and her daughter, Brandi Clements and her children Neal, Bailee, and Brennen; and step-great-granddaughters: Charleigh Dick of Mt. Juliet, TN and Avery Downing of Bowling Green, KY; as well as his sister: Linda Carter of Raleigh, NC and her children, Dr. Ross Carter (Sarah) and their children, Mary Catherine and Rebecca, all of Gibsonville, NC, and Liz Merritt (Jeff) and their children, Christopher and Cameron, all of Raleigh, NC. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, January 4, 2019, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Morningside Baptist Church, 897 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, SC 29302, by The Rev. Steven R. Owensby. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Memorials may be made to Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; Spartanburg Regional Home Hospice, PO Box 430, Drayton, SC 29333; or Total Ministries, 976 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James D. Barbee Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.