Mr. Willie Mack "Buddy" Barber

April 17, 1946 - August 31, 2020

Barber – Willie “Buddy” Barber, age 74, of Callahan, Florida passed away on August 31, 2020 at Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital in Macclenny, Florida. He was born April 17, 1946 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late George Newton Barber and Lora Elizabeth Landon Barber. Buddy was a resident of Callahan for 45 years and a member of First Baptist Church of Gray Gables. He graduated from Englewood High School in 1964. He later met the love of his life, Doris Kay Coffee, and married her on June 15, 1974. Buddy originally enlisted in the Army and then continued service with the Army Reserves and National Guard. He retired with the 20th Special Forces Group with a total of 29 years honorable service. Buddy also enjoyed a lengthy and rewarding career as an electrician at Baptist Hospital Downtown for 37 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Most of all Buddy was a family man with a huge family and grandkids who adoringly referred to him as “Papa”. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mildred Wachenheim, and Doris Strickland. Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Doris Kay Barber of Callahan, FL; children, Carole (Jon) Johnson of Macclenny, FL, Mark (Sonja) Barber of Jacksonville, FL; sister, Mary Taylor of Hilliard, FL; grandchildren, Lyndi Johnson, Carly Johnson, Reese Phelps, Ivy Johnson, Xander Barber; also several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Buddy’s life will be held on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Gray Gables in Callahan, Florida with Pastor Cody Page officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 904-259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.