William Ronnie Barber

William Ronnie Barber, 72, of Longview passed away and went to be with the Lord April 1, 2015 in Longview after a lengthy illness. He was born May 29, 1942 to William Clifford Barber and Ethel Wood Barber in Jacksonville, TX where he graduated from both Jacksonville High School and then Lon Morris College in 1962. That same year he moved to Longview, TX where he worked at Moore Bros. Lumber Company. He then pursued a career with Armco Steel Company, now dissolved. Ron was a talented Construction Engineer, bought and restored homes for pleasure. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, always lived on land that either had a pond or a lake. His most memorable time was with family and friends at a lake or hunting camp. Ron was a faithful member of Mobberly Avenue Baptist Church, Longview, TX. He was dedicated to church, always listening, smiling, and enjoying his friendships with people, helping others in need, always trying to make others feel good. Ron was a positive person and an avid Prayer Warrior. He was also a Volunteer Chaplain with Heartsway Hospice of Longview for many years. He always said, “Volunteering for Hospice and being with patients is where God wanted him to be.” He readily had available bookmarks, “PATIENTS MOTTO” as Volunteer Chaplain and bookmarks with Scriptures for those who had hurts with grief, pain and fear. Ron was a humble man, a loving father and grandfather, who lived for family activities, and making each one feel special. Paw Paw, as his grandchildren called him, always attended their sporting events and it did not matter how far he had to travel he was always there cheering them on. He is preceded in passing by his father 1968, GA, and his mother, 1997, Longview, Texas and his brother, Steven Jeffery Barber, 2014. Those left to cherish his memory are his four children, Ross Wayne Barber of San Francisco, Clifford Paul Barber, of Longview, TX and Leonard Dale Barber of Longview, TX, one daughter, Susan Dean Barber Mixon of Longview, TX., Also one sister, Tonia Jane Mashburn and her husband Doug of Arlington, TX, one brother, Tony Wayne Barber, Sr., and his wife Lynn of Longview, TX, his grandchildren who warmly called him Paw Paw, William Cody Barber, Colton Paul Barber, of Longview, TX, Robert Ellis Mixon III and his wife Regina, Codie Wayne Mixon, Dakota James Mixon of Longview, TX, Michael Barber of San Francisco, Susanna Rose Mixon of Gladewater, Nicole Barber of San Francisco, Summer Leann Barber of San Francisco and Amber Barber of San Francisco. Also there are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and California, and Aunt Clara Musick Barber of Overton, TX. Ron was also fondly referred to as Uncle Ronnie by his children. Friends are welcome to join the family for time of visitation Friday, April 3, 2015 from 5pm-7pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Then his funeral service will be the next day, Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the funeral home starting at 1pm. Interment will follow at Rosewood Park in Longview. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Davis, Bob Anderson, Doug Mashburn, Tony Barber, Tony Barber, Jr., and Neil Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Ron’s Grandchildren . The family would like to express a special “Thank you” to all the healthcare agencies and their personnel and especially to his loving daughter Susan Mixon for all the comfort and care Ron received this past year. In lue of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice of choice or the Hassler Evangelistic Ministries, PO Box 1791 Gladewater, TX 75647.

William Ronnie Barber

May 29, 1942 - April 1, 2015