Robert Latimer Barber

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 led 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. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Charlotte, and a Paul Harris Fellow. 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 step-sons 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 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 27th, at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, at 2 p.m. Graveside services to follow. Please visit the online guestbook for maps, directions and to share your thoughts and sentiments at www.hankinswhittington.com.