Fredrick Winston “Fred” Barber Jr., of Blackshear, passed away peacefully Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born May 21, 1943, in Bainbridge, he was the son of the late Frederick Winston Barber Sr. and Ruth McDowell Barber. He made his home in Blackshear, where he became a respected pharmacist, community servant and friend to countless people throughout the Southeast.
He was a gifted athlete from an early age. A 1961 graduate of Bainbridge High School, he excelled in football, baseball and track. He was a scholar student as well. During his high school career, he earned numerous honors including All-State Halfback, All-Southern and All-American recognition, among other honors. He finished his high school football career with 3,357 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns, establishing himself as Bainbridge High School's Hall of Famer. He earned his Eagle Scout and God and Country award in high school as well.
He attended the University of Georgia, where he played football from 1962 through 1964. Among the highlights of his collegiate career was scoring the first touchdown for Vince Dooley against Florida, a game Georgia won 7-0. He remained especially proud of having played for Coach Dooley and being his first running back.
He was a member of the University of Georgia Lettermen's Club, the University President's Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 2006, he received the University of Georgia Post-Graduate Scholar Award from the National Football Foundation and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
After earning degrees from the University of Georgia in pharmacy, he established Barber's Pharmacy, which he owned and operated for 50 years.
He had a deep passion for pharmacy. He was a member of the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy for 10 years. He served on the Georgia Pharmaceutical Association and served on its Board of Directors. His professional affiliations included the National Community Pharmacists Association and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
His commitment to his community was equally strong. He had a heart for the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church of Blackshear and the Enriched Sunday School class. He served as President and Board member of the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, President and Board member of the Blackshear Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. His commitment to helping people and his community was endless and whatever was needed, he helped.
His service extended to numerous other organizations, including the American Cancer Society Board of Directors, Southeast Georgia Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, Okefenokee Swamp Council, Pierce People for Safe Progress, Leadership Pierce and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Pierce County Chapter.
As much as he loved football, hunting and his community, he also loved his family deeply. He was a dedicated father and he cherished every moment he shared with his wife, kids and grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Priscilla Bailey.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Julie Musgrove Barber, Blackshear; his children, Fredrick Winston Barber III (wife, Sarah), Johns Creek, Downing Musgrove Barber (wife, Candace), St. Simons Island and Heidi Lyneath Barber, Charleston, SC; six grandchildren, Mary Brooke Barber, Nashville, TN, Downing Musgrove Barber Jr., St. Simons Island, Buck McDowell Barber, John Stanley Barber and Clay Naomi Barber, all of Johns Creek and Hap Heimel, Mt. Pleasant, SC; his sister, Brenda Martin, Bainbridge and several other relatives.
Visitation will be from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the First Baptist Church of Blackshear.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, from the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Bill Young and the Rev. Steve Timmer officiating.
An additional visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, at the Sexton's House at the Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the Bulldog Haven section of the Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens with the Rev. Jerry Varnado officiating.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the First Baptist Church Enriched Sunday School Class, Georgia Football Lettermen, Jimmy Walker, Andy Day, Patrick Jones, Dennis Bloodworth, George Allen, Dari Thomas, Hugh Thompson, Travis Harrison, Stetson Bennett, Ted Welch and Teddy Welch.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pierce County Touchdown Club, P.O. Box 433, Blackshear, GA 31516 or the YMCA of Waycross, In Memory of Fred Barber, 1634 Plant Avenue, Waycross, Georgia 31501 or at ymcawaycross.com.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
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