Thomas A. Barber

Thomas A. “Tom” Barber, 82, passed away at his home in rural Accomac, VA on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Reflecting on his life before going to his reward, he took great comfort in Christ's assurance that those who show up for work in the vineyard, late in the workday, get the same wage as those who labored all day.

Tom was born July second, nineteen hundred forty-two, while his dad was with the Army in the Pacific. He was delivered at his grandparents’ home in Tasley, VA, near Dr. Joseph DeCormis, who delivered many more babies than he could remember in similar home settings. Many of Tom's preschool years were spent on a small acreage farm on Joynes Neck Road, formally known as the "Bead Farm." Tom's grandfather, Revell Thomas, farmed the land which Tom, as a young boy and man, would later farm with his father Will. He grew up from his early age with a love for the Shore and its people.

When Tom’s father, Will Sr., retired from the Army in 1947 the Barber family settled in Accomac in the big square house on Courthouse Street, where he lived until leaving for college. He attended Accomack Primary through the 7th grade, and in 1956, he transferred to Onancock High School, graduating in 1960. Tom loved athletics including football and track, but he was noted at OHS for his intelligence and hard work with his studies rather than his athletic ability. Thomas Ray Parks, Tom's coach and favorite teacher once remarked (good naturedly), that he had not before encountered a high school athlete with a desire to compete that so far exceeded their abilities.

In the fall of 1960 Tom entered the college of William and Mary. He enjoyed college life, excelled in his course work, and became a member of the rifle team and the ROTC unit. Tom graduated in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in biological science and an ROTC commission.

During his three years in the Viet Nam era Army, Tom was spared combat duty in favor of his skill in riflery and marksmanship. Tom used those skills and his ability to teach others to become what were called "designated marksmen," and now and then, snipers. The Army denied Tom for flight training, leaving him to serve as a grunt in the 82nd Airborne.

Following honorable discharge, Tom attended graduate school at Colorado State University and graduated with a M.S. and PhD degree. While at CSU he was elected membership in five honorary societies. His work history after CSU included only two employers: the University of Wisconsin Madison for five years and Baxter Healthcare Corporation for twenty-nine years.

Tom returned to the Eastern Shore in 2006 with his beloved wife Deborah to live out his days in a nineteenth century farmhouse on a small farm on Joynes Neck Road, where his great-grandfather and grandfather once lived. Tom was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Parksley, VA.

He was predeceased by his parents, Will Albert Barber, Sr. and Jane Tabitha Lilliston Barber; brother, Will Albert Barber, Jr.; and sister Billy Jane Winston. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Deborah; daughters, Dr. Tabitha J. Rubash and her husband, Bradley, of Libertyville, IL and Caitlyn Barber of Gurnee, IL; and his grandchildren, Jackson and Anna Rubash. Tom loved dogs, especially Jack Russell’s.

Tom would like to share the following thoughts with his friends: “Free advice is often worth just what you paid for it.” “Love your family, family is everything.” “Treasure your friends, good friends are hard to make and very easy to lose.” “If you have your health, you have it all! Give thanks.”

Funeral services will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with The Reverend Bill McClung officiating. Private interment will follow at the Edgehill Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 156, Parksley, VA 23421 or to the Eastern Shore S.P.C.A, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418 (www.shorespca.com).  

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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