Robert Barber Obituary

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.

Published by Charlotte Observer from Apr. 25 to Apr. 26, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Barber

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Thank you for your service to our country and your fellow man.

Prayers to your famly.

Thomas

May 1, 2011

Bob was a very special friend to our family and will be greatly missed. His life was well lived although too short. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Jamie Fleischner

April 27, 2011

I worked with Bob at PNM many years ago. He was a kind and honest person. The family will be in my prayers for comfort and healing. Gale, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Gale Gillen

April 27, 2011

You do not know me but wanted to let you know that my heart is hurting for your family and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers. May the comfort of God surround you with love and peace at this difficult time. Know that there are so many people grieving with you over this act. Sending love to you and your family!

Nancy

April 27, 2011

Im so sorry for your loss please read Act 24:15 keep this in mind and heart, ..

April 27, 2011

Im so sorry about your loss please remember Act 24:15 keep it in your heart and mine.

April 27, 2011

Very sorry to hear about such a tragic lost. I remember Bob from Highland and UNM. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family.

Gary Spitzberg

April 26, 2011

Thank you Dr. Barber for your service to our country and our community. May you rest in peace and may your family be comforted by your outstanding legacy.

southeast charlotte resident

April 26, 2011

My heart is heavy for you and all who loved him. My heart is heavy for the world we live in. Prayers for your family...

Janice

April 26, 2011

Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Nancy Hinton-Mundorf

April 26, 2011

Please accept my condolences.-John 11:28

April 26, 2011

I am sorry for your loss. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. -Melanie Critz , NEPN

Melanie Critz

April 26, 2011

To the family of my fellow
Rotarian, I send my most sincere sympathy and love. Rotarian Larry Hamrick Sr. of Kings Mountain

April 25, 2011

I am sorry for the loss of your husband and the father of your sons. I promise you that your family and friends will help you survive this tragic event. There are many of us in the Charlotte community who have great empathy to this horrific ordeal that you and your family have to go through. I am a friend of Sue Ernst.
With a heavy heart:
Gretchen - Presby Blume Clinic

Gretchen Jensen

April 25, 2011

What a great & honorable man that has been lost. He will be missed by all that were blessed enough to cross paths with him. Our hearts & prayers are with his incredible wife, Debbie.

OPS Staff Presbyterian Hospital

April 25, 2011

I'm very sorry for your loss.
melissa goad, RN

April 25, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda Rhyne

April 25, 2011

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