Joe Lee Barber

Evans, GA – Joe Barber entered into heaven on Sunday, April 19th, surrounded by his loved ones. He valiantly fought an aggressive cancer for many years. Joe is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sharon Barber, and son Adam Barber (Stefanie).

Joe was born in Deming, New Mexico to the late George and Mary Barber. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Using the GI Bill as well as working two part time jobs, he graduated from Clemson University where he studied Parks, Recreation and Forestry. Joe first joined the Veterans Affairs Hospital system as a Recreational Therapist, helping veterans like himself.

Joe returned to University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Computer Science/Informatics. He was selected as a trainee in the newly formed Computerized Patient Medical System at the VA- the first hospital group to convert paper to computerized records. His career took him to several facilities assisting in the conversion of paper to digital records. He retired from Veterans Affairs in 2019 after serving for several years as CPRS Manager for six Medical Centers in the Southern VISN. After retirement, he enjoyed teaching part time Computer Science courses at Miller-Motte College in Augusta.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta and loved the Lord. People who knew him would say he was someone you could trust, who was generous with his time and abilities.

Joe was an excellent father. He loved actively supporting his son Adam’s many pursuits, including Boy Scouts and JROTC. Joe loved the Clemson Tigers and delighted in cheering for the teams, no matter which sport. Joe would be the guy in the orange polo shirt, in a sea of Red and Black. Joe and Sharon loved to travel, especially to the beaches of South Carolina, but he was always happy to come home to tend his garden and spend time with his beloved dachshunds.

Family members include wife Sharon, son Adam (Stefanie), sisters Margaret Barnett and Shirley Kaiser, and numerous extended family and friends, including longtime friend Tim Askren, He appreciated and loved his neighbors in Evans, as well as the entire staff of Georgia Cancer center, St. Sebastian Way in Augusta GA.

A military graveside service and celebration of life will be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Augusta, GA upon its completion.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com