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Alan Barbee Obituary
Alan was born on February 11, 1956, in Winston-Salem, NC, to the late H. E. "Chuck" Barbee and Mary Elizabeth "Lib" Barbee. He graduated from NC State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After moving to Florence, SC, he began his 40-plus-year career as an engineer, taking on roles focused on reliability, project management, and operations. Alan distinguished himself at work by virtue of his attention to detail and problem-solving gifts. He loved his work and formed longstanding friendships with others at his company, especially his "bubba lunch" buddies.
Alan was loved by his family, who remember him for being a devoted husband and father, for his ability to make them laugh, for always being eager to offer help when needed, and for perfecting his pizza recipe in recent years. He was a patient, gentle, and thoughtful man and the best dad in the entire world. For 36 years, he created a home for his family through his dependability, selflessness, and loving care. He is gone too soon and will be deeply missed.
Alan was a Christian, and he became a member of The Anchor United Methodist Church in Wilmington, NC. He enjoyed being involved in the ministry of the church and volunteering as a handyman at Hope Recuperative Care. Alan loved both his neighbor and his God, with whom he now waits for resurrection and new life.
Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Newman Barbee, as well as his daughter, Jenna Barbee (partner Matt McClory), of Chapel Hill, NC, his son, Brian Barbee (wife Emily), of Greenville, SC, and his brother, Mark Barbee (wife Cathy) of Anderson, SC.
A graveside service will be held Monday, March 11, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Highland Burial Park, Danville, VA. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Florence, SC, at a later date.
Norris Funeral Services in Danville, VA, is assisting the family. Online condolences are encouraged and may be left at norrisfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Billy Barbee
March 17, 2024
Billy Barbee
March 17, 2024
Billy Barbee
March 17, 2024
Billy Barbee
March 17, 2024
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Billy Barbee
March 17, 2024
Billy Barbee
March 17, 2024
The moments are too many two single out one. Best I can do is to point out that Alan was a number one fan of and glue for keeping our large Barbee family in touch with one another! I remember growing up and seeing Alan and all my cousins at least once a year at our grandmother's house in Durham and that was always a highlight of my youthful years! In years to come, Alan was ready to aid in the planning for many family reunions and gatherings and retained the central list of the contact information within the family. He joined me and my Columbia SC friends for a day whenever we were on our annal golfing trips to Wilmington. I loved seeing him now and then to meet him on various outings with cousins. Devoted friend and family man! He will be sorely missed!
Dixon Barbee
March 16, 2024
My wife and I met with Alan two times in 2023. Both occasions were in Wilmington, NC. We met for dinner on a nice evening at a restaurant of his choice along the River Walk. The next time was at a family gathering to watch our cousin, Jim Barbee, play and sing in a band. Both evenings were full of memories. I miss you, Alan.
Dick Barbee
Daryl Young
March 11, 2024
I'll always remember Alan sharing his latest volunteer work for the Anchor church. A favorite memory was a time he came to my defense when a political discussion in our office area became a bit heated. Alan didn't agree with my politics but we could share are differing views honestly while sharing a friendship I am very grateful for. My wife and I enjoyed Alan's company for oysters and talking about pizza making.
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