C.A. “Tony” Barbee, 82, went to be with his Lord on January 28, 2024, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Tony leaves behind a legacy as a devout man of God who truly loved his family more than himself. He delighted in being a selfless husband to Judy and a devoted father to Angel.

Born the eldest of three sons in 1941, he was raised in a loving, Christian home. While riding his bike, a 9th- grade Tony spotted the love of his life across the street when she was just in 6th grade. After waiting for her to grow up at the insistence of her father, the two began a beautiful love story that lasted over sixty-five years, marrying in 1963 and welcoming Angel four years later.

With a degree from the University of Florida, Tony began teaching high school math in 1964 at his Alma Mater, Port St. Joe High School. In 1973, he switched careers, serving as a chemist at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for the next 16 years. After obtaining his master’s degree from FSU (while remaining a loyal Gator), he returned to teaching until his retirement in 2002.

Tony loved being able to spend more time fishing, but his main priority was being a fisher of men. He was blessed to serve God for the rest of his life from sponsoring the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to leading music to being a deacon. He spread the Word at the prison, the nursing home, and even the grocery store.

Brother Tony also volunteered for the Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief Team and the Red Cross, actively helping others until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 70. Even after a stroke, God continued to enable him to witness in hospitals, rehab centers, and even from his bed at home.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents H.F. “Spotball” and Bernice Barbee and his brothers Archie Barbee and Joel Barbee (Melba & Joey). He was also preceded by A.V. and Gladys Bateman and Gail and Harold Hinote as well as his and Judy’s first-born daughter, Tina.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Bateman Barbee and his daughter and son-in-law, Angel and Daryl Parker. He is also survived by his nieces Stacy Stomp and Marcie Hallanan and nephews Hal Hinote (Melanie & Ethan) and Jeff Hinote (Kay, Jeremy, Dee & Ben). He is also survived by the children from Judy’s daycare including Leslie White Townsend, Jeremy Hinote, and Delilah and DeVoss Harrison.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 1:00 EST at Hope Family Worship Center. The funeral will begin at 2:00, officiated by his best friend, Brother Glenn Davis, followed by committal at Holly Hill Cemetery under the direction of Comforter Funeral Home.

Remembering the life of Tony Barbee would not be complete without a call to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to love your neighbors as yourself.