With sad and grateful hearts we announce the passing of Arthur Thomas Barber (4/26/43-3/17/25). Art loved his large extended family, woodworking with his son Tim, making bread, fishing, going for ‘Sunday Drives’, and debating politics with his daughter Marianne (not necessarily in that order.)

Art leaves behind his wife of 37 years Linda Barber, his daughter Marianne Silvers, his son Tim Barber and wife Jennie; six grandchildren- McGuire Hite and wife Callie, Hunter Silvers, Joey Barber, Danny Barber, Noah Silvers, and Emily Barber; 5 great-grandchildren- Declan, Ellia Mae, Johanson, Daxon, and Ayla Jane; his brothers Matt Barber and Rex Barber and his sister Bonnie Baker.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Arthur and Virginia Darter Barber, his sister Rita Bellamy and brother Mike Barber.

He was a Kingsport native and a 1963 graduate of Dobyns Bennett (Roll Tribe) and was attending ETSU when he joined the service. Art was an Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War and was ‘Damn Proud’. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart amongst other awards during his service. He loved seeing the world while in the service and passed that love of learning about new places/foods/cultures to his children. He was trained to be an interrogator and used this skill with much success for the rest of his life -especially with his kids. Art met and married Becky Verneuille in his early life after meeting her at Holston Presbytery Camp and spent 21 years with her raising their children before her death.

Art was the strongest man we have ever known, even in his last years the doctors were confused as to what he was really made of (indicating possibly steel) while he defied death for years. He did such things as walking all over East TN /VA before he had a car, digging a basement under his home with a shovel, leading the rag-tag girl scout troop of his daughter, pitching tents in the back yard for the neighborhood kids while teaching them to make fun snacks over a fire, bouncing the same kids thru the air on the ‘black thing’ (IYKYK), and scaring the hell out of many a man and child.

Art’s career with Commonwealth Life Insurance provided him both a way to insure much of his extended family and to visit them all each month. He spent many an hour crafting wooden toys for the less fortunate at Christmas time and was always quick to assist his fellow man.

Art had a strong streak of stubbornness and changed his mind for no one. He could frequently be found with a grin on his face and had a love for mischievous humor. Art will be deeply missed but never forgotten and his gift of strength and humor lives on in all of us who loved him.

Instead of flowers, Art would hope that you will donate to https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/neighbor-to-neighbor-disaster-relief-fund/ and do an unexpected act of kindness for a child in need .His family would love any stories or memories you have of Art.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Fields Family Cemetery located at 501 Sawmill Lane, Gate City, Virginia with Pastor Wayne Baker officiating. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:50 pm.

Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Barber family.