In Memory

Bob Barber

He passed away 04-22-11



 
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11/01/13 02:02 PM #1    

Larry Wyatt

Bob and I ran in the same pack during HHS days.

We were proud members of BEMLAW home brew together. He was the 'B', I was the 'W'.

He drove a gray 55 Plymouth.

We sat together @ the 40th

On April 23, 2011 [the day before Easter] I got a call from Ron Allred with the terrible sensless news...

Bob was shot and killed while walking in his suburban Charlotte, NC
neighborhood
by a thug.

___________________________________

from his obituary...a celebration of a life lived well

Robert Latimer Barber

Dr. Barber, 64, of Charlotte was taken from us April 22, 2011. His passing was tragic and sudden. “Bob” was born July 14, 1946 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to the late John Marr Barber and Mary Jane Latimer. Bob graduated from Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM and went on to pursue his undergraduate studies majoring in economics at the University of New Mexico. He was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity like his father before him.

Upon graduation in 1969, Bob worked at the family business, Ward Anderson Printing Co., as the assistant to the President. Bob later returned to UNM to complete a Masters of Arts in Public Administration in 1977. He worked for the Public Service Company of New Mexico from 1968 to 1985. Starting in the finance dept, he worked in audits, plant accounting, project management, and finally as Asst to the Senior VP for Financial Planning.

In 1985 Bob moved to Greensboro, NC after reconnecting with and later marrying his high school sweetheart Phyllis Allran. They were married for 10 years before her sudden and unexpected passing.

In North Carolina, Bob got his start in health care, holding positions at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, the Nalle Clinic and Mercy Hospital prior to joining Carolinas Healthcare System where he enjoyed a 19 year career. At CHS, Bob served in various capacities within the system including Managed Care, Finance and Administration. Most recently, Bob held positions as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer at CHS affiliate hospitals.

Bob proudly served to protect and defend his country, joining the NM Air National Guard in 1968. In 1979 he transferred to the Air Force Reserves with a promotion to Major. His many duties included: Supply Systems Officer, Disaster Preparedness Officer, and Administrative Officer to Commander of the 150th Communications Flight. He served the people of NC coordinating relief services as the Air Force Emergency Liaison Officer and played a prominent role during the flooding related to Hurricane Floyd. Bob was a highly decorated officer having been awarded the prestigious: Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); and Air Force Commendation Medal (three awards). Bob retired at the rank of Full Colonel from the military after a 33 year career.

Bob’s own professional education culminated with the completion his Doctorate in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1999. His commitment to the education of healthcare finance and administration professionals led him to adjunct faculty positions with UNC-Charlotte, MUSC, Pfeiffer University and the doctoral program at Central Michigan University – often times teaching for multiple schools in the same semester.

Over the years, his professional dedication lead to involvement and leadership positions in numerous organizations including National Guard Association of the United States, the Institute of Management Accounting, Institute of Internal Auditors, the National Association of Accountants, the Society for Management Information Systems, and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). For HFMA, Bob served as president of the North Carolina chapter and was recently appointed to the national Board of Examiners. In addition he received numerous HFMA awards and commendations, including the prestigious Muncie Gold Merit award Founders Medal of Honor.

Bob was devoted to a combination of community service and a host of hobbies. He was enthusiastic about motorcycles, classic cars, crossword puzzles, NASCAR, genealogy and NM Lobo’s athletics. In New Mexico Bob competitively raced Corvettes and served on his state and national Corvette association. Bob also enjoyed competitive running and participated in events from Charleston, SC to Spokane, WA.

Bob proudly gave his time to a number of service organizations including Jaycees and United Way. Bob had a special commitment to Rotary Club International, serving as a life-long Rotarian, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. But above all, Bob was a dedicated family man.

He met and fell in love with Debbie in 1997. Bob and Debbie married a year later at First Presbyterian Church, where they are members. His family grew to include her two sons, Eric and Brian Hartley. He embraced them as his own and served as a trusted mentor and friend while sharing in their growth and development as young men. Although tragically cut short, Bob and Debbie enjoyed a full life of happiness, laughter and travel. Their deep love and commitment to each other was evident to everyone who knew them.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary, and wife Phyllis Allran Barber. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his stepsons Eric and Brian Hartley; sisters Nancy J Tressler and Betty Barber of Spokane, his niece and nephews Brian, Kristen, and Garrett Tressler and his wife Amy. Bob’s generous service, tireless work ethic, love of life, enthusiasm, and infectious smile will be sorely missed by family, friends, colleagues, and the community at large. In lieu of flowers and according to Bob’s wishes, the family requests donations be made to the Rotary Foundation ( www.rotary.org) or University of New Mexico Foundation (www.unmfund.org) Funeral arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home located at 1111 East Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203 Tuesday, April 26, 2011, from 6:30-8:30 pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 27th, at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202, at 2 pm.
 


11/05/13 11:15 AM #2    

Karen Smith (Bavouset)

Thank you for posting this Larry.  Bob was a friend of mine in high school and we dated for a short time after graduation.  He was a good man.


06/05/14 07:55 PM #3    

Betty Vance (Nye)

Bob was a really nice guy.  I first remember Bob in fifth grade at Bandelier Elementary. 

Betty Vance Nye


07/10/14 01:03 PM #4    

Barry Borden

Larry is right about Bob's death being a terrible senseless act.  Bob lived about 4 miles form me in Charlotte, and I had just had a long visit with him about a month before he died.  He was killed on Good Friday.  Bob had taken the day off. His wife, Debbie, was working, but was going in late.  They drove to a coffee shop near their home.  After having coffee, Debbie went to work, and Bob started to walk home.  Bob only got a couple of blocks when he was mugged.  He was shot when he resisted.  This happen in one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte.  

This was a case of worthless thug killing a great citizen in an area of town where this type to thing almost never happens. Fortunately, perpetrator was caught and convicted.

Barry Borden

 


07/11/14 04:03 PM #5    

Tommi Ash (Ward)

I visited with Bob and Phyliss many times in various places since I live in Georgia.    We flew to Albuquerque together several times and always had a wonderful time.  I was very upset with Phyllis ' death,  but I was happy that Bob  found Debbie, and we had  happy times together.  I will never forget that horrible day Debbie called me about Bob's tragic  death.  I have missed Phyliss and Bob  more than I can express--they were like family.

Tommi Ash Ward


07/13/14 12:44 PM #6    

Mary Riordan

I am another person who remembers Bob all the way back to Bandelier Elementary School. It was fun to see him and Phyllis at a past reunion, but so very sad to know he lost her much too early. I was so very pleased to meet Debbie and know that he had found happiness once again. I was saddened to learn of his tragic and senseless death at the hands of a mugger.

Mary Riordan 


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