Wednesday, February 27, 2013 —
Bobby Harold Barbee Sr., who spent close to two decades in the N.C. House of Representatives and operated his family business for more than 50 years, died Tuesday morning. He was 85.
Family members, friends and fellow officials took time Wednesday to reflect on the life of Barbee, each recalling a variety of segments in his life of serving others.
Barbee’s work helped inspire Stanly County’s current representative, Justin Burr.
“He was my friend. Bobby Harold was a good-hearted Christian servant. He really cared about our community,” Burr said shortly after a House session Wednesday afternoon.
“A lot of people still ask about him up here. He was very well thought of up here in the General Assembly.”
Burr spoke of how Barbee was an inspiration to him.
“I certainly was in touch with him often to talk about issues. He was one of the first folks I remember when I was a teenager, going around the county campaigning with him when he was running for re-election,” Burr said.
“He really inspired me to one day serve in the House.
“He is one who made it possible for me to serve the community and continue his hard work.”
For comments from colleagues and family members, see Thursday's edition of The Stanly News & Press.
