Carol Warner Barbee, 88, of Pinehurst, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
Carol leaves behind her husband of 68 years, Gene Barbee; her son, Chuck; daughter, Beth; grandchildren, Teresa, Jennifer, Maegen and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Alexander, Milena, Alessia, Mikayla, Malcolm and Madden.
Carol was born in Rockingham on Nov. 5, 1935 and graduated from Rockingham High School in 1953. Carol met Gene a few years later and they were married in 1955. They lived in Raleigh in their first years of marriage as Gene completed his degree at N.C. State. Chuck came along in 1958 and Beth in 1960. Gene’s career took the family from South Carolina to Georgia and finally Canada where they lived over 25 years before Carol and Gene returned to North Carolina, settling in Pinehurst in 1999.
Carol always stayed busy whether it be looking after her children, completing her university degree in her 40s, performing volunteer work with multiple organizations, including the role of executive director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Carol took up golf while in Canada and took full advantage of living in Pinehurst by becoming and accomplished golfer. Her game intimidated many a guest golfer and she had a perfect record against Gene and Chuck.
Carol took pride in her grandchildren and involved herself in many of their youth activities including highland dancing, music classes, and golf. All the grandchildren have cherished memories of Christmas and Easter family gatherings, as well as sleepovers at Nonna’s and Granddaddy’s.
Great-grandchildren ranging in age from 4 months to 10 years brought much joy. Many a day started with a look for emails and messages with updates and photos of their young lives that would in turn be sent to the entire family.
Carol and Gene spent 68 years together as husband and wife. They raised a family, made lifelong friends, set examples for the family to follow, lived life and traveled the world. Most importantly, Carol and Gene shared their life as equal partners and their love grew over the years.
Cremation is planned with final resting to take place at a later date at Richmond County Memorial Park, Rockingham.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Barbee family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
