John Ford Barbee Jr.

John Ford Barbee Jr., born 10/27/1941, 83 years old, went to be with the Lord Sunday, July 27,2025. Preceded in death by his mother Clara McGehee Barbee, his father John Ford Barbee Sr., his brother Edmond McGehee Barbee. He is survived by his sister Penelope Barbee Platz (Victor), his 2 daughters Rebecca A. Kuntzman and Michelle L. Waite, 6 grandchildren Amanda T. Smith (Jacob), Benjamin M. Kuntzman (Caroline), Amy R. Lowery (Adam), Zachary R. Kuntzman, Chelsea K. Waite (Cassie) and Elizabeth J. Waite, 3 great grandchildren Barrett Ford Smith, Elijah Everette Smith and Ada Louise Smith.
John attended Webb School for boys in Bell Buckle, TN, graduating from White Station High School and the University of Memphis. He worked for Cook Industries, Gulf Coast Grain and Vining Sparks in the commodities industry until retirement. He loved to cook and was an avid gardener, not just for himself but for his neighbors too. John lived a very simple and rich life. K.I.S.S., Keep It Simple, Stupid! He was an active church communicant at St. John's Episcopal Church and Church of the Holy Communion. John was an amazing and giving Christian man, always putting others first. He was an active member of St. John's for over 50 years. John was a pillar of the 8 am community at St. John's. For 30+ years he was a greeter and an usher for the 8:00 am service. He was a longtime member of the St. John's Men's Club and is one of the longest attending members of the Laymen's Group Conference at Dubose in Sewanee TN. Every fall semester John and his good friend John Franklin planned, sponsored and hosted a cookout for the U of M Episcopal students. For over 40 years, he organized and cooked for the Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) pancake dinner. John was a devoted supporter and donor to The Church Health Center for 35+ years. He deeply believed in their mission and the good work they do. In later years, he began a beautiful tradition-each year, he would choose one employee and donate in their name, a quiet gesture to lift them up and honor their service. Through his love of cooking, John created a space where family and friends could gather in joy and fellowship. He was a true role model of servant faith and leadership. A lifelong Memphian, he was an avid supporter of the Memphis Tiger football team. After retiring, John found joy in the simple pleasures-most mornings, you could find him reading a good book, in his garden, a neighbor's garden, or helping his dear friends at Brother Juniper's pouring coffee, and welcoming guests with that warm smile of his. And for years, dinner at Nagasaki with our favorite cook, Harold, was a cherished tradition we never passed up.
According to his wishes, his remains will be in Monteagle, TN. There will be a celebration of life in Memphis, TN at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Church Health Center or St. John's Episcopal Church.