W.G. Barbee III

  William Gray Barbee III, known as W.G. Barbee, was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Billy and Sara (Martha) Jane (Pope) Barbee on February 26, 1934, and he departed this life on September 13, 2022, at his home in Thayer, Missouri, 88 years, 6 months, and 18 days.                                                                                           

  He was united in marriage to Dorothy (Martin) Barbee on January 1, 1957, in Hernando, Mississippi. W.G. and Dorothy had two children, William Gray Barbee IV, known as Greg, and Nikita Denise Whitaker.

  W.G. was born in times of hardship and spent early years learning how to survive on a farm and living the life of a railroader’s child. He was of the Southern Baptist faith. As a very young man he joined the Navy with his friends and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. After the war he returned home to Thayer and worked for the railroad. The next phase of life he ran many businesses in Thayer, raised a first-rate garden, collected antiques, camped with the family, fished for the big fish and followed the stock market daily. W.G. loved to travel the United States with Dorothy but loved coming home even more.

  He was an avid Bobcats sports follower. Many of his children, grandchildren and other relatives played for the Bobcats and he always listened to every game cheering for the Bobcats win or lose. W.G. went back to farm life in his later years and took care of a variety of animals. He continued to tend to his garden and keep his yard pristine. His daily activities included caring for his adopted stray dogs, cats, and hummingbirds.

  He was devoted to his beloved family, and they came first for him. His presence, advice, stories and “Oh, Me!” will be greatly missed by family and friends.

  W.G. is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of the home, and his children, Greg and his wife, Vickie, Niki and her husband, Dale; one brother, Joe and his wife Susan, one brother-in-law David Meek all of Thayer, Missouri; Grandchildren, Wade Whitaker and his wife, Libby of Sumrall, Mississippi, William Barbee of Thayer, Missouri, Megan Keaton and her husband Eddie, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Erica Cliff and husband, Bryon of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Heath Barbee and wife Lillie of Thayer, Missouri, Brett Whitaker of Jonesboro, Arkansas; great-grandchildren, Matilee Morgan and Magnolia Keaton (Megan), Khloe Barbee, Cianna Barbee (William and  Cecily), Carson, Harrison, and Annabella Barbee (Heath), Savanah and Whit Whitaker (Wade), Scotlyn Cliff (Erica), step-great grandson Racyn Cliff (Erica), many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

  He is preceded in death by his parents Billy and Martha Barbee, his younger sister, Sara Jane Meek, and one precious granddaughter, Juliann Elise Whitaker

  Graveside services for W.G. Barbee, age 88, of Thayer, Missouri, will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Thayer Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri with Jarred Russell officiating. Under the direction of Carter Funeral Home Inc., in Thayer, Missouri.