William Abernethy Barber

William Abernethy Barber, 86, of Goldston, went home to be with his Lord and savior on Monday, February 12th, 2024.

He was born in Chatham County, on November 1st, 1937, to Bailom Dewey Barber and Mary Abernethy Barber. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Andrew “Sonny” Barber, and a son-in-law, David Simpson. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judith “Judy” Webster Barber; three daughters, Beth Barber of Goldston, Susan B. Poe (Jimmy) of Goldston, and Anne B. Lamb (David) of Sanford; one brother, Gene Barber of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Ryan Poe, Will Shue (Margaret), Drayton Lamb, and Jackson Lamb; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

William graduated from Goldston High School in 1956 and Lincoln-Nashville Automotive College. He was a member of Goldston Methodist Church. He worked for Ford Motor Company for 28 years, Cooper-Harris in Pittsboro, NC, and Mid State Ford in Sanford, NC. After working with Ford, he continued his career as the Owner and Operator of William Barber Automotive in Goldston for 16 years. He built and raced cars in the Late Model Nascar division. For 55 years, William was involved with the Goldston Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and later served on the board. He was a member and a past president of the Goldston Lions Club, former Mason of the Buffalo Lodge in Sanford. He was a member of the Chatham Central Booster Club as well. 

A graveside memorial service will be held at Goldston Methodist Church Cemetery, Friday, February 16^th, 2024, at 2 PM. Officiated by Reverend Bob Wachs. 

Memorials can be made to the Goldston Methodist Church, PO Box 99, Goldston, NC 27252 or to the Goldston Fireman’s Association, PO Box 432, Goldston, NC 27252.  

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Barber family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com