Charles Anthony "Tony" Barbee

C.A. “Tony” Barbee, 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 28, 2024, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Tony leaves behind a legacy as a devout man of God who truly loved his family more than himself. He delighted in being a selfless and loving husband to Judy for over six decades and a devoted and doting father to daughter Angel.

Tony was born the eldest son of Bernice and H.F. “Spotball” Barbee on October 17, 1941. He was soon followed by two brothers, and the three were raised in a loving, Christian home in Port St. Joe. While riding his bike, a 9th-grade Tony spotted the love of his life, Judy, across the street when she was just in 6th grade. After waiting for her to grow up a little at the insistence of her father, the two began a beautiful love story that lasted over sixty-five years. They were married in 1963 and four years later were thrilled to welcome daughter Angel.

With a degree from the University of Florida, Tony began teaching high school math in 1964 at his Alma Mater, Port St. Joe High School. In 1973, he switched careers and served as a chemist at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for the next 16 years. He then obtained his master’s degree from Florida State University (but remained a loyal Gator) and returned to teaching until his retirement in 2002, giving him more time to devote to his favorite pastime, fishing.

Tony, however, was more than just a fisherman; most importantly, he was a fisher of men. After being saved as a young man, Tony was blessed to serve God in Christian ministry for the rest of his life from sponsoring the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at school to leading the music at Howard Creek Baptist Church to being a deacon at First Baptist Church. He truly had the heart of an evangelist, spreading the Word at the prison, the nursing home, and even the grocery store. He also volunteered for the Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief Team and the Red Cross, helping others while also sharing his faith.

Brother Tony was strong and active until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 70, but God continued to bless him (even after a massive stroke in 2022) with more time to witness in hospitals, rehab centers, and even from his hospital bed at home.

He was preceded in death by his parents H.F. and Bernice Barbee and his brothers Archie Barbee and Joel Barbee (Melba & Joey). He was also preceded by his in-laws A.V. and Gladys Bateman and Gail and Harold Hinote as well as his and Judy’s first-born daughter, Tina.

Tony is survived by his wife, Judy Bateman Barbee and his daughter and son-in-law, Angel and Daryl Parker. He is also survived by his nieces Stacy Stomp and Marcie Hallanan and nephews Hal Hinote (Melanie & Ethan) and Jeff Hinote (Kay, Jeremy, Dee & Ben). He is also survived by the children from Judy’s daycare who brought him so much joy including the first two babies, Leslie White Townsend and Jeremy Hinote to the last two, Delilah and DeVoss Harrison.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 1:00 EST at his church Hope Family Worship Center. The funeral will begin at 2:00, officiated by his long-time best friend, Brother Glenn Davis followed by committal at Holly Hill Cemetery under the direction of Comforter Funeral Home. Pallbearers are his brothers-in-Christ Norman Bixler, John Strayer, Red Todd, Danny Peak, Ray Skinner, Dallas Presley, Teedy Nobles, Robert Whittle and Jimmy Alford.

The family would like to thank their many faithful friends for the prayers and acts of kindness during Tony’s Homegoing. We would also like to thank his dedicated caregivers Carla, NaTatsha, Janet, and Lauren.

Remembering the life of Tony Barbee would not be complete without a call to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to love your neighbors as yourself as God has commanded.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, FL.