Robert ‘Bobby’ Franklin Barber, age 89 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, died Saturday, March 12, 2022, from complications of a stroke at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Old Hickory, TN, and moved to Murfreesboro in early childhood. He was a son of the late Ira Frank and Ethel Eunice Parks Barber.
He was predeceased by his parents as well as his siblings, John Barber of Murfreesboro, and Jo Helen Dupree of Lebanon, TN; a niece, Wanda Smallwood of Gallatin, TN, and a nephew, Danny Barber.
Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of 67 years, Betty Barber; daughters, Mary (Mike) Bratton of Hollywood, AL, and Susan Barber of Murfreesboro; sons, David (Freda) Barber and Jeffrey Barber all of Murfreesboro; grandson, Ben (Esther) Bratton of Scottsboro, AL; granddaughters, Beth (Graham) Patterson of Vestavia Hills, AL; Becky (Josh) Owens of Mulberry, TN and Carly (Chase) Chaffin of Harriman, TN; great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Margaret, and Rob Bratton, Gray Patterson; Wyatt, Will, and Annsley Owens, and Riley and Ridge Chaffin. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley (Carl) Burlison of Old Hickory, TN, and several nieces and nephews.
He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War, joining as a 16-year-old, with his mom’s permission. He learned skills in data processing that would serve him the rest of his life. He developed computer programs for the old Rutherford Hospital. He developed the first computer programs for National Healthcare Corp when it was just getting started in 1972. In the mid 70’s he started his own business producing the realtor Multiple Listing Books. These books were produced by computer generated pages that he programmed.
He enjoyed fishing, trading planes, playing cards, square dancing, walking, squirrel and bird feeding, and other simple things in life. He especially enjoyed family and friends, but his most treasured relationship was with his LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a young 22-year-old serviceman he was hitchhiking when a sweet Christian gentleman picked him up for the ride of his life. The gentleman witnessed to him of our LORD’s saving grace. He completely and totally accepted Jesus as his LORD and Savior that day and held fast to his faith for the rest of his life. His family is very comforted in knowing his eternal home is in heaven where we will meet again!
Hopegivers International (P.O. Box 8808, Columbus, GA 31908) is an organization that was near and dear to his heart. They provide Christian homes and education to the orphans of India, most of whom grow up to become servants of the LORD, and many become church planters.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Woodfin Funeral Chapels. An online guestbook is available for the Barber family at www.woodfinchapel.com.
For more obituaries visit https://rutherfordsource.com/obituaries/
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