Gary "Rick" Richard Barber passed away on June 16, 2025 at the age of 68 with family at his side. Rick was a, son, brother, husband, father, "Papaw", friend, and child of God. He was compassionate, quick witted, family oriented and a servant to the church and his community. He battled for a long time with health issues, and although his earthly body succumbed to his ailments, his spirit has been freed, he is healed in every sense, and he lives eternally with our Heavenly Father.

Rick was born on June 30, 1956 in Bartow, Florida of Polk County. Most of his life was spent as a resident of Saint Cloud, Florida, and the Barber family is recognized as a pioneer family of Osceola County. He graduated from Saint Cloud High School in 1974. He went on to hike the Appalachian Trail in 1985, an accomplishment he proudly relished. He worked in construction for much of his career as a project manager. His work history aided him as everyone's go to handyman as he assuredly knew how to fix any odd job.
He married Cinda (Beckwith) Barber on August 7, 1993, and they were able to celebrate nearly 32 years in wedded love with one another. Cinda's eldest son, James Daugherty, was born from a previous relationship, and Rick became a father to James instantly. Rick and Cinda were blessed with a second child, Samuel Barber, who sadly passed away soon after his 29th birthday from health complications. Early in Sam's adulthood, he received his Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis, and Rick became his sole caregiver; one of his singular most honored and cherished roles he would tell you.

Rick enjoyed many hobbies. He was a guitarist and enjoyed playing most when he and his brother, Joe, played their jam sessions and sang together. He was a sports enthusiast, particularly any sport representing the University of Florida. He was a proud Gator fan. He was a gifted writer. He wrote poems and short stories relevant to his life experiences or words of wisdom. He was also an attentive and caring grandparent to Liam and Jonas. He attended all of their sporting events, school functions and extracurricular activities. He championed their interests and showered them with immense love. Papaw's boys, Liam and Jonas, will always be.

Rick is preceded in death by his son, Samuel Barber, his father, Pete Barber, and his sister, Virginia Louise Barber. He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife, Cinda Barber, his son, James Daugherty (Ashley); his grandsons, Liam and Jonas; his mother, Jean Barber; his sister, Judy Spradlin (Walter); his brother, Stephen Barber (Sherrie); his brother, Jimmy Joe Barber (Joanie); his sister, Elizabeth David (Bob) and a multitude of other relatives and friends.

A service celebrating Rick's life will be held on Saturday, June 28th at 11am. The service will be held at Eastern Avenue Baptist Church located at 1001 Eastern Avenue in Saint Cloud, Florida 34769. A gathering of family and friends following the service to be held at the church as well.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the church congregation Rick was a member; Eastern Avenue Baptist Church, https://eab.church/

Romans 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."