+ IN MEMORY +
+ MELVIN REID BARBER +
May 7, 1915 - May 14, 1994
+ The Memory of your life, Dear Daddy, rises before me this solemn moment as I stand before your grave and recall all the years of unselfish devotion, kindness, love and encouragement which you have shown me during your life. I recall all the sacrifices you made for my welfare, and the many comforts with which you provided me. You rejoiced in my achievements, you guided me in my perplexities, and strengthened me in my trials and disappointments. The passing of time will never diminish the blessed memories of your life. +
+ "What we keep in our memory... is ours, unchanged forever" +
+ "The best.. and most beautiful things in life.. cannot be seen, not touched...but are felt in the heart." +
+ "Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on.
+ Cherished memories will never fade, because one loved is gone.
+ Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart, for as long as there is a memory, they live with in our heart."
+ I know I am still with you in your prayers, your thoughts, your heart.. And though you cannot see me, I will always be a part Of life's sweet memories and celebrations.. In those times when you reflect on how, though things are different through our love, we still connect.. We'll see each other someday when our spirits all are free.. Until then I am with you.. Because you always remembered me with respect..loved me.. and will always love me through it all.
"Thank You Daddy For This Love..Your Only Daughter"..
**********************************************
- Melvin Reid Barber -
I would like to begin as saying, that when I first began, my search for my ancestors, as with getting started with Genealogy in 2006, as on my Paternal side, I knew very little about my ancestors. Cousins and others had worked for years on my Maternal side, but it seemed at that time I was on my own, as of my quest for Daddy's side. The few cousins that I knew of, as still alive, to contact, as hoping they could provide some information, as of our ancestors..did not know themselves. So, I can now say, that my search, has been very challenging, much fun, and of... most importance, greatly, rewarding to me. I know Daddy would be very proud. As of my younger days, I can remember him often speaking of his ancestors while we would be visiting relatives..and as time went on.. of the importance to him, as of the family name being carried on through generations to come. What I regret today is.. I did not grasp the information more..by taking notes of names and information provided by him and my relatives at that time.
So, if a younger person should ever be reading this..take heed...( :
My Daddy, although being born in the "Smoky Creek Community", Burke County, N.C. and with during his childhood days, living mostly around the "Smoky Creek Community" of Burke County, did eventually make his final home, as of his residence here on earth, resided in the vicinity of Marion, a nearby community, Glenwood, McDowell County, N.C.
He worked for many years at Drexel Heritage Furniture in Marion, N.C., until he had to retire early, as on disability around his 6oth Birthday(heart attack), after which, he continued to farm the rest of his life. He had to start working in the furniture factory at a very young age, as his father had passed away at the age of only 56, so Daddy was needed to help support the family of those siblings still residing at home, by helping his loving Mother.
I would say that by Daddy having to learn to handle responsibility at such a young age, would have been the main trait that he carried throughout his life, as caring for others. He set forth efforts to try to teach his children this and by also, setting forth the spiritual example himself, by trying to see that his family did attend church and would learn to attempt to apply the Christian values to thier daily lives..respectfully for, and and with dignity, as toward others. I am sure Daddy would have liked to have had his family to have done better in many ways, but of most importance to me..is that I can say, that Daddy left me with this memory of knowing... that he did put forth his efforts and by setting the examples, as a father should do...for this..I am very much grateful for, and can always cherish within my heart, by always being assured that this has not or can not ever... be taken away. Material things may be taken away, but the love, respect, trust, the heritage of our family, as of our ancestors, that my Daddy has left for me, when he did pass... remains within my heart.. and will always be.
My Daddy loved the Lord and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, located on Bethel Church Road, where he attended faithfully, for many years.
Melvin Reid Barber married Maggie Isaacs on January 29, 1938, in McDowell County; they had three children. The children were a son, Bill, and one daughter. Maggie did miscarry an infant. Melvin and Maggie had an unexpected additional baby boy that came along many years later, when they were in thier early 40's. Then..as when they were looking forward to thier enjoyment of thier retirement years, they were put in the position of having to then pratically raise two of thier later born grandchildren. They kept and provided for these grandchildren until about about a year before his death when Daddy had a very severe heart attack to which he did then practically die, but with the Dr's guidance by God, Daddy was given an additional year of life. It was at that time that the Doctors intervened by ordering that if Daddy did survive that he could no longer survive if he had to go home to the same stress as of raising and providing for these grandchilden with also being at the age of 78 years old. Although afterwards, he still was faced with stress of the residing nearby grandchildren the remainder of his life.
Daddy loved to watch his baseball games, as well as football. He loved to fish, but he couldn't seem to find very much free time to do so, as there seemed to always be work needing to be done on the farm. He did occassionally take time out to go fishing..as I have the memory of him taking me. Over the years, there were very few times, in fact probably I could count as on one hand, or less, as to Daddy being able to take time out as of work to be done, or as our family having the extra funds to get away on a vacation. If we did..it was usually just to visit a relative and then return home by evening, as the farm animals were still there waiting to be taken care of.
Daddy did face alot of stress throughout his life, with then first developing ulcers, then in time, having light heart attacks..up until his last two heart attacks, that were very severe, with the last one taking him at the age of 79, instantly, at his home, in the night..just before a new day, on May 14, 1994. He had just turned 79 years of age, as of his birthday one week before his passing.
At the time of his death, he had 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grand daughters, and 1 great grandson. He got to see and hold two of his great granddaughters, one at Christmas 1993, before he passed away the following May 1994. The third Great Granddaughter would arrive in January, before his passing, that he did not get to see, other than just photos.
My Daddy was a loving, wonderful Daddy, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, friend.. with providing the family with abundant, wonderful memories to cherish..forever.
Born in Burke County, N.C., May 7, 1915, Melvin Reid Barber was the son of Lonnie Graham Barber and Laura Emma Sparks Barber.
Siblings Of Melvin Reid Barber were:
Brothers-
1- Ernest Lee Barber
2- Fred Wilson Barber
3- Ellis Graham Barber
4- Lee Roy Barber
Sisters-
1- Lula Rae Barber
2- Margie Helen Barber.
Also, he thought of respectfully, and with love..as of like his own parents..
Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Isaacs.
I have very fond memories of the days of childhood, after the days work was done for all..with no T.V. then, of Daddy, Mother, and I walking down the road to my grandparent's to sit on their front porch to visit and talk with until bedtime..then in the moonlight, Daddy would carry me home sometimes on his shoulder or in his arms. Too, while visiting..I may have gotten out and caught a few "lightning bugs". There were also the sounds of the nearby"whipperils"to give us some late evening, relaxing music, to wind down with.
Even though Daddy, had three children, I can always know and can cherish the fact that my Daddy never gave me the feeling that I was loved any less, as by me moving away to another state at the age of only 17, as marriage, with then starting my own life as with having my own 3 children to be responsible for and raising; along with the daily problems that did come in life, as with my own personal family. With this.. I then for all these years have remained living away from my birth state, but to my Daddy, I was still loved and treated the same, also as by his giving, as his wishes were for his children to be treated equally. With his early experience of having to learn responsibility, I feel my Daddy understood, as me moving on to learn to do the same, as this was what he had taught me, so he would be proud.. and too, with me now being able to look back and say, "I am and can be proud, of those values, that he instilled and passed along to me."
* Proudly.. I can say..."I was blessed..as being Daddy's only daughter".. With Loving Thoughts, Memories, and with Gratitude, always and forever.
* "When tomorrow starts without me...don't think we're far apart...For every time you think of me...I'm right here in your heart". * Yes Daddy...I can feel it..Thank You *
* I would like to acknowledge my recent finding as of the Quest.. and as, of +My Family Heritage+.. "I was blessed with the name of my Great Great Grandmother."
* Also, my brother, Bill, shared the same birthday, as of our Great Grandfather, Jacob Keller Barber.
* Melvin R. Barber's Maternal Grandfather, served in the Civil War.
Grandfather: Sgt. William M. Sparks
*********************************************
* Gone But Not Forgotten *
Don't think of him as gone away
His journey's just begun
Life holds so many facets
This earth is only one
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know, today
Now nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he is loved so very much!
* I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and a picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart...
-author unkn-
* "Daddy, "What I keep in my memory, is mine, unchanged forever"...
* "I will love you forever, Daddy".
***************************************
+ MELVIN REID BARBER +
May 7, 1915 - May 14, 1994
+ The Memory of your life, Dear Daddy, rises before me this solemn moment as I stand before your grave and recall all the years of unselfish devotion, kindness, love and encouragement which you have shown me during your life. I recall all the sacrifices you made for my welfare, and the many comforts with which you provided me. You rejoiced in my achievements, you guided me in my perplexities, and strengthened me in my trials and disappointments. The passing of time will never diminish the blessed memories of your life. +
+ "What we keep in our memory... is ours, unchanged forever" +
+ "The best.. and most beautiful things in life.. cannot be seen, not touched...but are felt in the heart." +
+ "Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on.
+ Cherished memories will never fade, because one loved is gone.
+ Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart, for as long as there is a memory, they live with in our heart."
+ I know I am still with you in your prayers, your thoughts, your heart.. And though you cannot see me, I will always be a part Of life's sweet memories and celebrations.. In those times when you reflect on how, though things are different through our love, we still connect.. We'll see each other someday when our spirits all are free.. Until then I am with you.. Because you always remembered me with respect..loved me.. and will always love me through it all.
"Thank You Daddy For This Love..Your Only Daughter"..
**********************************************
- Melvin Reid Barber -
I would like to begin as saying, that when I first began, my search for my ancestors, as with getting started with Genealogy in 2006, as on my Paternal side, I knew very little about my ancestors. Cousins and others had worked for years on my Maternal side, but it seemed at that time I was on my own, as of my quest for Daddy's side. The few cousins that I knew of, as still alive, to contact, as hoping they could provide some information, as of our ancestors..did not know themselves. So, I can now say, that my search, has been very challenging, much fun, and of... most importance, greatly, rewarding to me. I know Daddy would be very proud. As of my younger days, I can remember him often speaking of his ancestors while we would be visiting relatives..and as time went on.. of the importance to him, as of the family name being carried on through generations to come. What I regret today is.. I did not grasp the information more..by taking notes of names and information provided by him and my relatives at that time.
So, if a younger person should ever be reading this..take heed...( :
My Daddy, although being born in the "Smoky Creek Community", Burke County, N.C. and with during his childhood days, living mostly around the "Smoky Creek Community" of Burke County, did eventually make his final home, as of his residence here on earth, resided in the vicinity of Marion, a nearby community, Glenwood, McDowell County, N.C.
He worked for many years at Drexel Heritage Furniture in Marion, N.C., until he had to retire early, as on disability around his 6oth Birthday(heart attack), after which, he continued to farm the rest of his life. He had to start working in the furniture factory at a very young age, as his father had passed away at the age of only 56, so Daddy was needed to help support the family of those siblings still residing at home, by helping his loving Mother.
I would say that by Daddy having to learn to handle responsibility at such a young age, would have been the main trait that he carried throughout his life, as caring for others. He set forth efforts to try to teach his children this and by also, setting forth the spiritual example himself, by trying to see that his family did attend church and would learn to attempt to apply the Christian values to thier daily lives..respectfully for, and and with dignity, as toward others. I am sure Daddy would have liked to have had his family to have done better in many ways, but of most importance to me..is that I can say, that Daddy left me with this memory of knowing... that he did put forth his efforts and by setting the examples, as a father should do...for this..I am very much grateful for, and can always cherish within my heart, by always being assured that this has not or can not ever... be taken away. Material things may be taken away, but the love, respect, trust, the heritage of our family, as of our ancestors, that my Daddy has left for me, when he did pass... remains within my heart.. and will always be.
My Daddy loved the Lord and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, located on Bethel Church Road, where he attended faithfully, for many years.
Melvin Reid Barber married Maggie Isaacs on January 29, 1938, in McDowell County; they had three children. The children were a son, Bill, and one daughter. Maggie did miscarry an infant. Melvin and Maggie had an unexpected additional baby boy that came along many years later, when they were in thier early 40's. Then..as when they were looking forward to thier enjoyment of thier retirement years, they were put in the position of having to then pratically raise two of thier later born grandchildren. They kept and provided for these grandchildren until about about a year before his death when Daddy had a very severe heart attack to which he did then practically die, but with the Dr's guidance by God, Daddy was given an additional year of life. It was at that time that the Doctors intervened by ordering that if Daddy did survive that he could no longer survive if he had to go home to the same stress as of raising and providing for these grandchilden with also being at the age of 78 years old. Although afterwards, he still was faced with stress of the residing nearby grandchildren the remainder of his life.
Daddy loved to watch his baseball games, as well as football. He loved to fish, but he couldn't seem to find very much free time to do so, as there seemed to always be work needing to be done on the farm. He did occassionally take time out to go fishing..as I have the memory of him taking me. Over the years, there were very few times, in fact probably I could count as on one hand, or less, as to Daddy being able to take time out as of work to be done, or as our family having the extra funds to get away on a vacation. If we did..it was usually just to visit a relative and then return home by evening, as the farm animals were still there waiting to be taken care of.
Daddy did face alot of stress throughout his life, with then first developing ulcers, then in time, having light heart attacks..up until his last two heart attacks, that were very severe, with the last one taking him at the age of 79, instantly, at his home, in the night..just before a new day, on May 14, 1994. He had just turned 79 years of age, as of his birthday one week before his passing.
At the time of his death, he had 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grand daughters, and 1 great grandson. He got to see and hold two of his great granddaughters, one at Christmas 1993, before he passed away the following May 1994. The third Great Granddaughter would arrive in January, before his passing, that he did not get to see, other than just photos.
My Daddy was a loving, wonderful Daddy, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, friend.. with providing the family with abundant, wonderful memories to cherish..forever.
Born in Burke County, N.C., May 7, 1915, Melvin Reid Barber was the son of Lonnie Graham Barber and Laura Emma Sparks Barber.
Siblings Of Melvin Reid Barber were:
Brothers-
1- Ernest Lee Barber
2- Fred Wilson Barber
3- Ellis Graham Barber
4- Lee Roy Barber
Sisters-
1- Lula Rae Barber
2- Margie Helen Barber.
Also, he thought of respectfully, and with love..as of like his own parents..
Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Isaacs.
I have very fond memories of the days of childhood, after the days work was done for all..with no T.V. then, of Daddy, Mother, and I walking down the road to my grandparent's to sit on their front porch to visit and talk with until bedtime..then in the moonlight, Daddy would carry me home sometimes on his shoulder or in his arms. Too, while visiting..I may have gotten out and caught a few "lightning bugs". There were also the sounds of the nearby"whipperils"to give us some late evening, relaxing music, to wind down with.
Even though Daddy, had three children, I can always know and can cherish the fact that my Daddy never gave me the feeling that I was loved any less, as by me moving away to another state at the age of only 17, as marriage, with then starting my own life as with having my own 3 children to be responsible for and raising; along with the daily problems that did come in life, as with my own personal family. With this.. I then for all these years have remained living away from my birth state, but to my Daddy, I was still loved and treated the same, also as by his giving, as his wishes were for his children to be treated equally. With his early experience of having to learn responsibility, I feel my Daddy understood, as me moving on to learn to do the same, as this was what he had taught me, so he would be proud.. and too, with me now being able to look back and say, "I am and can be proud, of those values, that he instilled and passed along to me."
* Proudly.. I can say..."I was blessed..as being Daddy's only daughter".. With Loving Thoughts, Memories, and with Gratitude, always and forever.
* "When tomorrow starts without me...don't think we're far apart...For every time you think of me...I'm right here in your heart". * Yes Daddy...I can feel it..Thank You *
* I would like to acknowledge my recent finding as of the Quest.. and as, of +My Family Heritage+.. "I was blessed with the name of my Great Great Grandmother."
* Also, my brother, Bill, shared the same birthday, as of our Great Grandfather, Jacob Keller Barber.
* Melvin R. Barber's Maternal Grandfather, served in the Civil War.
Grandfather: Sgt. William M. Sparks
*********************************************
* Gone But Not Forgotten *
Don't think of him as gone away
His journey's just begun
Life holds so many facets
This earth is only one
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know, today
Now nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he is loved so very much!
* I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and a picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart...
-author unkn-
* "Daddy, "What I keep in my memory, is mine, unchanged forever"...
* "I will love you forever, Daddy".
***************************************
+ IN MEMORY +
+ MELVIN REID BARBER +
May 7, 1915 - May 14, 1994
+ The Memory of your life, Dear Daddy, rises before me this solemn moment as I stand before your grave and recall all the years of unselfish devotion, kindness, love and encouragement which you have shown me during your life. I recall all the sacrifices you made for my welfare, and the many comforts with which you provided me. You rejoiced in my achievements, you guided me in my perplexities, and strengthened me in my trials and disappointments. The passing of time will never diminish the blessed memories of your life. +
+ "What we keep in our memory... is ours, unchanged forever" +
+ "The best.. and most beautiful things in life.. cannot be seen, not touched...but are felt in the heart." +
+ "Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on.
+ Cherished memories will never fade, because one loved is gone.
+ Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart, for as long as there is a memory, they live with in our heart."
+ I know I am still with you in your prayers, your thoughts, your heart.. And though you cannot see me, I will always be a part Of life's sweet memories and celebrations.. In those times when you reflect on how, though things are different through our love, we still connect.. We'll see each other someday when our spirits all are free.. Until then I am with you.. Because you always remembered me with respect..loved me.. and will always love me through it all.
"Thank You Daddy For This Love..Your Only Daughter"..
**********************************************
- Melvin Reid Barber -
I would like to begin as saying, that when I first began, my search for my ancestors, as with getting started with Genealogy in 2006, as on my Paternal side, I knew very little about my ancestors. Cousins and others had worked for years on my Maternal side, but it seemed at that time I was on my own, as of my quest for Daddy's side. The few cousins that I knew of, as still alive, to contact, as hoping they could provide some information, as of our ancestors..did not know themselves. So, I can now say, that my search, has been very challenging, much fun, and of... most importance, greatly, rewarding to me. I know Daddy would be very proud. As of my younger days, I can remember him often speaking of his ancestors while we would be visiting relatives..and as time went on.. of the importance to him, as of the family name being carried on through generations to come. What I regret today is.. I did not grasp the information more..by taking notes of names and information provided by him and my relatives at that time.
So, if a younger person should ever be reading this..take heed...( :
My Daddy, although being born in the "Smoky Creek Community", Burke County, N.C. and with during his childhood days, living mostly around the "Smoky Creek Community" of Burke County, did eventually make his final home, as of his residence here on earth, resided in the vicinity of Marion, a nearby community, Glenwood, McDowell County, N.C.
He worked for many years at Drexel Heritage Furniture in Marion, N.C., until he had to retire early, as on disability around his 6oth Birthday(heart attack), after which, he continued to farm the rest of his life. He had to start working in the furniture factory at a very young age, as his father had passed away at the age of only 56, so Daddy was needed to help support the family of those siblings still residing at home, by helping his loving Mother.
I would say that by Daddy having to learn to handle responsibility at such a young age, would have been the main trait that he carried throughout his life, as caring for others. He set forth efforts to try to teach his children this and by also, setting forth the spiritual example himself, by trying to see that his family did attend church and would learn to attempt to apply the Christian values to thier daily lives..respectfully for, and and with dignity, as toward others. I am sure Daddy would have liked to have had his family to have done better in many ways, but of most importance to me..is that I can say, that Daddy left me with this memory of knowing... that he did put forth his efforts and by setting the examples, as a father should do...for this..I am very much grateful for, and can always cherish within my heart, by always being assured that this has not or can not ever... be taken away. Material things may be taken away, but the love, respect, trust, the heritage of our family, as of our ancestors, that my Daddy has left for me, when he did pass... remains within my heart.. and will always be.
My Daddy loved the Lord and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, located on Bethel Church Road, where he attended faithfully, for many years.
Melvin Reid Barber married Maggie Isaacs on January 29, 1938, in McDowell County; they had three children. The children were a son, Bill, and one daughter. Maggie did miscarry an infant. Melvin and Maggie had an unexpected additional baby boy that came along many years later, when they were in thier early 40's. Then..as when they were looking forward to thier enjoyment of thier retirement years, they were put in the position of having to then pratically raise two of thier later born grandchildren. They kept and provided for these grandchildren until about about a year before his death when Daddy had a very severe heart attack to which he did then practically die, but with the Dr's guidance by God, Daddy was given an additional year of life. It was at that time that the Doctors intervened by ordering that if Daddy did survive that he could no longer survive if he had to go home to the same stress as of raising and providing for these grandchilden with also being at the age of 78 years old. Although afterwards, he still was faced with stress of the residing nearby grandchildren the remainder of his life.
Daddy loved to watch his baseball games, as well as football. He loved to fish, but he couldn't seem to find very much free time to do so, as there seemed to always be work needing to be done on the farm. He did occassionally take time out to go fishing..as I have the memory of him taking me. Over the years, there were very few times, in fact probably I could count as on one hand, or less, as to Daddy being able to take time out as of work to be done, or as our family having the extra funds to get away on a vacation. If we did..it was usually just to visit a relative and then return home by evening, as the farm animals were still there waiting to be taken care of.
Daddy did face alot of stress throughout his life, with then first developing ulcers, then in time, having light heart attacks..up until his last two heart attacks, that were very severe, with the last one taking him at the age of 79, instantly, at his home, in the night..just before a new day, on May 14, 1994. He had just turned 79 years of age, as of his birthday one week before his passing.
At the time of his death, he had 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grand daughters, and 1 great grandson. He got to see and hold two of his great granddaughters, one at Christmas 1993, before he passed away the following May 1994. The third Great Granddaughter would arrive in January, before his passing, that he did not get to see, other than just photos.
My Daddy was a loving, wonderful Daddy, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, friend.. with providing the family with abundant, wonderful memories to cherish..forever.
Born in Burke County, N.C., May 7, 1915, Melvin Reid Barber was the son of Lonnie Graham Barber and Laura Emma Sparks Barber.
Siblings Of Melvin Reid Barber were:
Brothers-
1- Ernest Lee Barber
2- Fred Wilson Barber
3- Ellis Graham Barber
4- Lee Roy Barber
Sisters-
1- Lula Rae Barber
2- Margie Helen Barber.
Also, he thought of respectfully, and with love..as of like his own parents..
Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Isaacs.
I have very fond memories of the days of childhood, after the days work was done for all..with no T.V. then, of Daddy, Mother, and I walking down the road to my grandparent's to sit on their front porch to visit and talk with until bedtime..then in the moonlight, Daddy would carry me home sometimes on his shoulder or in his arms. Too, while visiting..I may have gotten out and caught a few "lightning bugs". There were also the sounds of the nearby"whipperils"to give us some late evening, relaxing music, to wind down with.
Even though Daddy, had three children, I can always know and can cherish the fact that my Daddy never gave me the feeling that I was loved any less, as by me moving away to another state at the age of only 17, as marriage, with then starting my own life as with having my own 3 children to be responsible for and raising; along with the daily problems that did come in life, as with my own personal family. With this.. I then for all these years have remained living away from my birth state, but to my Daddy, I was still loved and treated the same, also as by his giving, as his wishes were for his children to be treated equally. With his early experience of having to learn responsibility, I feel my Daddy understood, as me moving on to learn to do the same, as this was what he had taught me, so he would be proud.. and too, with me now being able to look back and say, "I am and can be proud, of those values, that he instilled and passed along to me."
* Proudly.. I can say..."I was blessed..as being Daddy's only daughter".. With Loving Thoughts, Memories, and with Gratitude, always and forever.
* "When tomorrow starts without me...don't think we're far apart...For every time you think of me...I'm right here in your heart". * Yes Daddy...I can feel it..Thank You *
* I would like to acknowledge my recent finding as of the Quest.. and as, of +My Family Heritage+.. "I was blessed with the name of my Great Great Grandmother."
* Also, my brother, Bill, shared the same birthday, as of our Great Grandfather, Jacob Keller Barber.
* Melvin R. Barber's Maternal Grandfather, served in the Civil War.
Grandfather: Sgt. William M. Sparks
*********************************************
* Gone But Not Forgotten *
Don't think of him as gone away
His journey's just begun
Life holds so many facets
This earth is only one
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know, today
Now nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he is loved so very much!
* I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and a picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart...
-author unkn-
* "Daddy, "What I keep in my memory, is mine, unchanged forever"...
* "I will love you forever, Daddy".
***************************************
+ MELVIN REID BARBER +
May 7, 1915 - May 14, 1994
+ The Memory of your life, Dear Daddy, rises before me this solemn moment as I stand before your grave and recall all the years of unselfish devotion, kindness, love and encouragement which you have shown me during your life. I recall all the sacrifices you made for my welfare, and the many comforts with which you provided me. You rejoiced in my achievements, you guided me in my perplexities, and strengthened me in my trials and disappointments. The passing of time will never diminish the blessed memories of your life. +
+ "What we keep in our memory... is ours, unchanged forever" +
+ "The best.. and most beautiful things in life.. cannot be seen, not touched...but are felt in the heart." +
+ "Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on.
+ Cherished memories will never fade, because one loved is gone.
+ Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart, for as long as there is a memory, they live with in our heart."
+ I know I am still with you in your prayers, your thoughts, your heart.. And though you cannot see me, I will always be a part Of life's sweet memories and celebrations.. In those times when you reflect on how, though things are different through our love, we still connect.. We'll see each other someday when our spirits all are free.. Until then I am with you.. Because you always remembered me with respect..loved me.. and will always love me through it all.
"Thank You Daddy For This Love..Your Only Daughter"..
**********************************************
- Melvin Reid Barber -
I would like to begin as saying, that when I first began, my search for my ancestors, as with getting started with Genealogy in 2006, as on my Paternal side, I knew very little about my ancestors. Cousins and others had worked for years on my Maternal side, but it seemed at that time I was on my own, as of my quest for Daddy's side. The few cousins that I knew of, as still alive, to contact, as hoping they could provide some information, as of our ancestors..did not know themselves. So, I can now say, that my search, has been very challenging, much fun, and of... most importance, greatly, rewarding to me. I know Daddy would be very proud. As of my younger days, I can remember him often speaking of his ancestors while we would be visiting relatives..and as time went on.. of the importance to him, as of the family name being carried on through generations to come. What I regret today is.. I did not grasp the information more..by taking notes of names and information provided by him and my relatives at that time.
So, if a younger person should ever be reading this..take heed...( :
My Daddy, although being born in the "Smoky Creek Community", Burke County, N.C. and with during his childhood days, living mostly around the "Smoky Creek Community" of Burke County, did eventually make his final home, as of his residence here on earth, resided in the vicinity of Marion, a nearby community, Glenwood, McDowell County, N.C.
He worked for many years at Drexel Heritage Furniture in Marion, N.C., until he had to retire early, as on disability around his 6oth Birthday(heart attack), after which, he continued to farm the rest of his life. He had to start working in the furniture factory at a very young age, as his father had passed away at the age of only 56, so Daddy was needed to help support the family of those siblings still residing at home, by helping his loving Mother.
I would say that by Daddy having to learn to handle responsibility at such a young age, would have been the main trait that he carried throughout his life, as caring for others. He set forth efforts to try to teach his children this and by also, setting forth the spiritual example himself, by trying to see that his family did attend church and would learn to attempt to apply the Christian values to thier daily lives..respectfully for, and and with dignity, as toward others. I am sure Daddy would have liked to have had his family to have done better in many ways, but of most importance to me..is that I can say, that Daddy left me with this memory of knowing... that he did put forth his efforts and by setting the examples, as a father should do...for this..I am very much grateful for, and can always cherish within my heart, by always being assured that this has not or can not ever... be taken away. Material things may be taken away, but the love, respect, trust, the heritage of our family, as of our ancestors, that my Daddy has left for me, when he did pass... remains within my heart.. and will always be.
My Daddy loved the Lord and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, located on Bethel Church Road, where he attended faithfully, for many years.
Melvin Reid Barber married Maggie Isaacs on January 29, 1938, in McDowell County; they had three children. The children were a son, Bill, and one daughter. Maggie did miscarry an infant. Melvin and Maggie had an unexpected additional baby boy that came along many years later, when they were in thier early 40's. Then..as when they were looking forward to thier enjoyment of thier retirement years, they were put in the position of having to then pratically raise two of thier later born grandchildren. They kept and provided for these grandchildren until about about a year before his death when Daddy had a very severe heart attack to which he did then practically die, but with the Dr's guidance by God, Daddy was given an additional year of life. It was at that time that the Doctors intervened by ordering that if Daddy did survive that he could no longer survive if he had to go home to the same stress as of raising and providing for these grandchilden with also being at the age of 78 years old. Although afterwards, he still was faced with stress of the residing nearby grandchildren the remainder of his life.
Daddy loved to watch his baseball games, as well as football. He loved to fish, but he couldn't seem to find very much free time to do so, as there seemed to always be work needing to be done on the farm. He did occassionally take time out to go fishing..as I have the memory of him taking me. Over the years, there were very few times, in fact probably I could count as on one hand, or less, as to Daddy being able to take time out as of work to be done, or as our family having the extra funds to get away on a vacation. If we did..it was usually just to visit a relative and then return home by evening, as the farm animals were still there waiting to be taken care of.
Daddy did face alot of stress throughout his life, with then first developing ulcers, then in time, having light heart attacks..up until his last two heart attacks, that were very severe, with the last one taking him at the age of 79, instantly, at his home, in the night..just before a new day, on May 14, 1994. He had just turned 79 years of age, as of his birthday one week before his passing.
At the time of his death, he had 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grand daughters, and 1 great grandson. He got to see and hold two of his great granddaughters, one at Christmas 1993, before he passed away the following May 1994. The third Great Granddaughter would arrive in January, before his passing, that he did not get to see, other than just photos.
My Daddy was a loving, wonderful Daddy, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, friend.. with providing the family with abundant, wonderful memories to cherish..forever.
Born in Burke County, N.C., May 7, 1915, Melvin Reid Barber was the son of Lonnie Graham Barber and Laura Emma Sparks Barber.
Siblings Of Melvin Reid Barber were:
Brothers-
1- Ernest Lee Barber
2- Fred Wilson Barber
3- Ellis Graham Barber
4- Lee Roy Barber
Sisters-
1- Lula Rae Barber
2- Margie Helen Barber.
Also, he thought of respectfully, and with love..as of like his own parents..
Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Isaacs.
I have very fond memories of the days of childhood, after the days work was done for all..with no T.V. then, of Daddy, Mother, and I walking down the road to my grandparent's to sit on their front porch to visit and talk with until bedtime..then in the moonlight, Daddy would carry me home sometimes on his shoulder or in his arms. Too, while visiting..I may have gotten out and caught a few "lightning bugs". There were also the sounds of the nearby"whipperils"to give us some late evening, relaxing music, to wind down with.
Even though Daddy, had three children, I can always know and can cherish the fact that my Daddy never gave me the feeling that I was loved any less, as by me moving away to another state at the age of only 17, as marriage, with then starting my own life as with having my own 3 children to be responsible for and raising; along with the daily problems that did come in life, as with my own personal family. With this.. I then for all these years have remained living away from my birth state, but to my Daddy, I was still loved and treated the same, also as by his giving, as his wishes were for his children to be treated equally. With his early experience of having to learn responsibility, I feel my Daddy understood, as me moving on to learn to do the same, as this was what he had taught me, so he would be proud.. and too, with me now being able to look back and say, "I am and can be proud, of those values, that he instilled and passed along to me."
* Proudly.. I can say..."I was blessed..as being Daddy's only daughter".. With Loving Thoughts, Memories, and with Gratitude, always and forever.
* "When tomorrow starts without me...don't think we're far apart...For every time you think of me...I'm right here in your heart". * Yes Daddy...I can feel it..Thank You *
* I would like to acknowledge my recent finding as of the Quest.. and as, of +My Family Heritage+.. "I was blessed with the name of my Great Great Grandmother."
* Also, my brother, Bill, shared the same birthday, as of our Great Grandfather, Jacob Keller Barber.
* Melvin R. Barber's Maternal Grandfather, served in the Civil War.
Grandfather: Sgt. William M. Sparks
*********************************************
* Gone But Not Forgotten *
Don't think of him as gone away
His journey's just begun
Life holds so many facets
This earth is only one
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know, today
Now nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he is loved so very much!
* I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and a picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart...
-author unkn-
* "Daddy, "What I keep in my memory, is mine, unchanged forever"...
* "I will love you forever, Daddy".
***************************************
