William "Bill" Clark Barber

Graveside services for Mr. William “Bill” Clark Barber will begin at 12:45 PM Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Pine Grove Church Cemetery in the Martin Community with The Reverends Dr. Nathan L. Barber and Kyle Thompson officiating. Interment will follow graveside rites. The Barber Family will receive guests from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM, at the funeral home, prior to departure to the cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

William “Bill” Clark Barber, 82, of Collinsville, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on June 10, 1943. He was affectionately known as Daddy, Daddy Bill, and Papaw, names that reflected the deep love he gave and received throughout his life. A man of faith, service, and devotion to family, he lived a life marked by hard work, generosity, and a joyful spirit.

Bill was a man of deep faith and faithful service. He was a former Deacon at Southside Baptist Church, where he also held many other leadership roles over the years. His commitment to his church family and community was steadfast and heartfelt.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970, where he made history as the first two-stripe airman appointed as a Military Training Instructor, a remarkable achievement that spoke to his integrity, leadership, and work ethic.

Throughout his life, Bill worked tirelessly to provide for his family and serve others. He was a salesman, a grocery store owner, a JCPenney department manager, an award-winning professional with MetLife, Manager of Fred’s, and a car salesman with Bill Ethridge. In the early 1980s, he also brought joy and laughter to countless children and families as Ronald McDonald, a role perfectly suited to his warm heart and playful spirit. He was lovingly known as “Deb Dad,” always stepping in with support, kindness, and a helping hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sandra Lee Barber; his daughters, Tricia Vaughn (Greg) and Tiffany Bohl (Johnny); and his cherished grandchildren, Madison Shepherd (D.W.), Makenzie Thompson (Kyle), and Brooks Bohl (Chloe). He also leaves behind his adored great-grandchildren, Marlee Thompson, John Murphy Thompson (expected in February), and Emery Leigh Shepherd (expected in May). He is further survived by his brother, Dr. Nathan L. Barber (Pat), and his beloved fur baby, Sophie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, W.A. “Bud” Barber and Josie Giles Barber; his in-laws, Max D. Lee and Sara Lee; his sister, Joan Martin Bartlett; and his infant daughter, Julie Barber.

Bill will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong work ethic, infectious humor, and the profound love he had for his family. His legacy lives on through the generations he helped shape and the countless lives he touched.

Serving as pallbearers will be Greg Vaughn, Johnny Bohl, Kyle Thompson, Brooks Bohl, D. W. Shepherd, and Billy Wayne Ransom.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.