Walter Barbee

BARBEE, Mr. Walter L. - Age 78, passed away Monday, November 20, 2006 at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Family hour 11AM Saturday, November 25, 2006 at Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, 935 E. Myrtle St., with funeral service commencing at 12Noon. Dr. A.J. Pointer officiating. Interment Lovedale Memorial Cemetery, G-5175 E. Bristol Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 11AM Saturday. Mr. Barbee will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 2PM-8PM Friday. Walter LaCruse Barbee began his life journey in Shannon, Mississippi on October 19, 1928. His family moved to Flint Michigan in 1934. He attended Flint Michigan public schools, graduating from Flint Northern High School in 1947. Walter enjoyed running on the track team while in high school. He also enjoyed bowling. After High School, Walter found work at the Chevrolet Downtown "Chevy in the Hole". During his tenure at the Chevy in the Hole, he was drafted to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War where he received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Walter was honorably discharged from the Army in 1952 and returned to Flint Michigan to continue working in the General Motors family. Walter was one of the first employees chosen to work at the new Chevrolet Metal Fab when it opened. He was elected to represent members of Local #659 as a Shop Committeeman and continued to represent the members in various areas throughout his career with the General Motors family. In October 1995, Walter retired from Chevrolet Metal Fab after serving a total of 46 years. At the age of 22, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Ms. Iris June Austin on August 6, 1950. Walter was a devoted and loving husband to June and wonderful example of a "Real Man" while he provided for them and their seven children. Walter and June were best friends and often called each other "Baab" which was a word they created over the years that derived from Barbee. Walter touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Family and friends will always remember his optimistic view on life and how he loved to laugh. His beautiful daughters known by the numbers, #1, #2, #3, #4, & #5 will always remember the constant encouragement he gave them to do their best to enjoy life and to be happy. His sons will always look to his example of strength and courage as they raise their own children and pass on his legacy of love. His host of grandchildren always knew that their Granddaddy would be at their beck and call anytime they needed him. He was dependable and he gave the best hugs ever! Many adopted sons and daughters will fondly cherish the acceptance they felt as he welcomed them into his heart and his family. Walter accepted Christ at an early age. He stepped out of this life and into the presence of God on November 20, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona. Walter was preceded in death by his Father Pinkney, Mother Jessie, and brother Herbert. Leaving to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Iris June Barbee, his seven children: Garland Barbee, Regina (Howard) Keels, Valinda Patton-Williams, Eraina Barbee, Chanceni Hamilton, Pinkey (Synthya) Barbee, Shawnda "Peaches" Barbee. Sister Evelyn Ward, and brother Derrick (Tracy) Barbee; 18 Grandchildren: James, LaTasha "Te-Te", Garland Jr., Jessie, Regina "Re-Re", Deionya, Edward-Jehmar, Ricky, Ericka, Breona "Sade", Walter, Brandon, Brittany, Chris, Ashley, Erin, Stephen, and Austin. 4 Great-Grandchildren, 6 Aunts and Uncles: Pauline Lyons, Amilee Troutman, Sarah (Henry) Faire, Arthur (Earlene) Barbee, Rome (Emogene) Barbee, Rev. Simon Barbee; Brother-in-law Niles (Claudine) Austin, Sister-in-laws Bonnie Junior, Inez Stipes, and Georgia Barbee, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and adopted and extended family members. The family would like to especially thank the Pastor and Ministers of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church of Phoenix, AZ for the love, support, and encouragement they expressed during this time of bereavement. Warmest and sincere thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at the Banner Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona for the special care and love they showed to our father and mother. Our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Pastor and members of Refuge Temple for their outpouring and of love and service to the family.

Walter Barbee

October 19, 1928 - November 20, 2006