Robert Kim Barber, 69, of Sheffield, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly from a medical emergency on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Kim was born on April 4, 1955, in Florence, Alabama. He was a Rehabilitation Specialist with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services; and he managed quality assurance and training for the Vocational Rehab area. Prior to his career in rehab counseling, he was the owner of the family businesses that he had grown up in–Barber Maytag and Tuscumbia Hardware in Tuscumbia. He also enjoyed his time working with Russell Sporting Center in Florence.
A visitation with the family will be held in the Sanctuary of Tuscumbia First Methodist Church, 104 E. 3rd Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674 on Sunday, April 21 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
A celebration of life service will be in the same location on Monday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Chad Holder officiating. A brief graveside service will follow at Colbert Memorial Gardens. The pallbearers are Ray Battles, Jeff Ayers, Tom Branscome, Stewart “Mac” McGuffey, Brad Black, and Jeff Box. Honorary Pallbearers are Billy Freeman, Ron Russell, and Joel Parris.
Kim is survived by his faithful, loving wife of 48 years, Randi Ellen Barber. He is also survived by his son, Kyle Everette Barber (Jason) of Nashville, Tennessee; his daughter, Katie Elizabeth Barber Wilson (Jeremy) of Littleton, Colorado; and his grandchildren, Aiden Thomas Wilson and Haley Elizabeth Wilson of Littleton. Kim is also survived by his mother, Edith Ann Barber of Tuscumbia; sisters, Joan Barber Parris (Joel) of Tuscumbia and Linda Barber Clark (Steve) of Sheffield; his sister-in-law, Amy White Swaim of Lincoln, Alabama; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.
Kim was predeceased by his father L.E. “Ebby” Barber; paternal grandparents, Leonard E. and Elizabeth “Boots” Barber; maternal grandparents, W. Lonnie Davis and Edith Davis Posey; in-laws, Lyle D. and Julia C. White; and brother-in-law, Benji Swaim.
Kim was a 1973 graduate of Deshler High School in Tuscumbia. He had a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Alabama and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of West Alabama. He was a member of Faith Church in Florence.
Kim was loved and adored by his family and friends; and, he so loved them. One of his biggest joys was becoming Aiden and Haley’s Pops. He learned at an early age from his father how to hunt and fish. It became a passion that he carried the rest of his life. Hunting season could not come soon enough; and, he always looked forward to his annual hunting trips with Ray, Russell, and Phil. He loved helping his neighbors and spending time with each one of them. His projects that he did with his neighbor Mac were more like lessons in life, craftsmanship, and exceptional wisdom that Kim cherished. He also enjoyed sharing memories and stories with his long-time friends in the “Ron’s Gym Dinner Club.”
Kim had a good Christian heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand to others. His warm, welcoming smile and quick sense of humor made everyone around him feel good. If you were fortunate enough to know Kim, then you know without a doubt that he has moved to Heaven. He will certainly be missed here on Earth by his family and friends.
Finally, Kim loved his wife Randi with every fiber of his being. Their love and devotion to one another stood the test of time. They were an extension of each other and were inseparable—true love at its finest.
Online condolences may be left at morrisonfuneralhomes.com.
