Archie Lee Honbarrier

HIGH POINT — Mr. Archie Lee Honbarrier, 93, of High Point, passed away on March 8, 2012 unexpectedly at High Point Regional Hospital. Mr. Honbarrier was born December 7, 1918 in Newport News, VA, to the late Robert Lee Honbarrier, Sr. and Daisy Daniel Honbarrier. He lived his early years in his father's hometown of Denton, NC and graduated from Denton High School in 1937. Upon graduation, he went to work as a driver at Colonial Motor Line, a for-hire motor carrier started by his father and uncle in 1933. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1942 and served until 1945. After returning from military service, he rejoined Colonial Motor Lines, which, by this time, had relocated its headquarters to High Point, NC. As time progressed, Archie eventually assumed the role of President. In 1951, Archie founded Central Transport, a liquid-based carrier also based in High Point. He started with two petroleum tankers and hauled bunker fuel from Wilmington, NC to Harmony, NC. Soon after, he secured authority to haul textile chemicals from Charlotte to points in North Carolina. Much of the company's success came from providing innovative and specialized tank trailers and service. The company grew to be one of the ten largest bulk carriers in North America. During his transportation career, Archie served on a number of committees and boards. He was elected to the Board of Directors of National Tank Truck Carriers in 1978 and remained a Director for the rest of his career.

On January 11, 1943 he married Emma Louise Honbarrier, his wife for almost sixty-seven years. He was a member of Numa F Reid Lodge No. 344 and Oasis Shriners. Mr. Honbarrier was a longtime member of the Brotherhood Sunday School Class at High Point Friends Meeting. Both Mr. Honbarrier and his wife were main benefactors of High Point Friends School, a school in which they loved dearly. The vision for the school was created by their love of children and wish to provide a Quaker based education for many. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Louise Honbarrier, son Gary Lee Honbarrier, sisters Frances Davis, Roxie Workman, brother Robert Honbarrier, Jr. and granddaughter Katherine Ann Embler.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Archie Lee Honbarrier will be held 2 p.m. Monday at High Point Friends Meeting with the Reverend Kelly Kellum and the Reverend David Kingery officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Cumby Family Funeral Service, High Point and following the memorial service Monday in Ragan Hall.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Embler and husband Bucky of High Point; sister, Carolyn White of High Point; brother, Bill Honbarrier of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren, Kimberly Plaut (Peer), Kristin Compton (Cliff), Stephanie Strawn (Kevin), Kara Anderson (Christian), Amanda Fagge (Justin), Brett Embler, Matt Embler, Jonathan Embler, Drew Embler. Great-grandchildren; Thomas Scott, Molly Scott, Wyatt Scott, Walker Compton, Louisa Compton, Cooper Strawn, Macoy Strawn, Quinn Strawn, Sullivan Anderson, Eme Fagge, Ellie Fagge.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the High Point Friends School, 800-A Quaker Lane, High Point, NC 27262 or High Point Friends Meeting, 800 Quaker Lane, High Point, NC 27262.

Online condolences may be submitted on Mr. Honbarrier's memorial page at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Arrangements by Cumby Family Funeral Service, High Point.