Ralph Avery Barbee

Avery Barbee, 86, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, March 21, 2015, at All Saints Episcopal Church. The Rev. Nancy Cox will officiate.

The family will receive friends following the service at the Parish Hall at the church.

Mr. Barbee was born June 17, 1928 in Cabarrus County. He was the son of the late Ralph Theodore Barbee and Vergie Caroline Barbee. Avery, as he was known by, graduated from Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science to become a Funeral Director/Embalmer. He was a dedicated and compassionate funeral director for over 50 years in Concord before retiring. He was a licensed real estate broker and insurance agent. Avery was a Veteran of the Korean War. He was a former Charter Member of Cabarrus Lodge #720 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner and a member of the American Legion Post #51. Avery was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church of Concord for over 60 years with his wife Joy Barbee and enjoyed attending bible studies together. Avery was an avid pilot and loved flying to events such as Fun and Sun in Florida and the yearly air shows in Oshkosh, WI with good friends. He loved going to Carolina Beach to enjoy friends where he was HOA president of Carolina Surf for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Reese Barbee and Bill Barbee; and two sisters, Georgia Barbee and Virginia Burnett.

Mr. Barbee is survived by his wife, Joy Strawn Barbee; son, Larry Barbee of Concord; daughter, Anne Barbee of Matthews; and his beloved Boston Terrier, Sam the 5th.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Charlotte Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.