John Gill Barbee

John was born on April 19, 1928 in Grant, TN, to Herschel and Dollie Gill Barbee. He married Kathryne Hollingsworth in Gallatin, TN, on May 29, 1952.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years; his children, Melany (Bobby) McMahan of Peoria, Shelly (Mead) Babcock of Peoria, John, Jr. (Mary) Barbee of Peoria, Deborah (Mike) Hinrichsen of Germantown Hills, Clark Barbee of Edelstein, Teresa (Aron) Quist of Blythe, CA, and Michael Barbee of Edelstein; sixteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and many friends and extended family members so treasured by John.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and three sisters.

After serving in the Marine Corps, John graduated from Bradley University. He was a successful salesman for many years for car dealerships in Peoria and Dallas, TX, and for Explorer Van in Indiana. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, traveling, and spending time with his family. One of his great joys was sharing family Sunday dinners at his home in Edelstein. He was an avid historian and loved to tell the stories of his life, especially about growing up in Tennessee.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. Pastor Robert A. Herath will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014 also at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Prospect Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Peoria Rescue Mission.

To view John’s memorial page or leave an online condolence please go to www.woolsey-wilton.com.