Gene Barbee

Howard Eugene "Gene" Barbee, age 79, of Royal, went to meet the Lord on Monday, March 13, 2023.

He was born on October 30, 1943, in Concord, North Carolina, to the late James Delmar Barbee and Audry Mae Myers.   

He retired from Entergy in 2006 after 33 years and was a United States Marine Corp veteran.  Gene loved fishing, riding horses, spending time with his family and “chasing a Nickel” or working, and going to church.  He was a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Royal. 

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, Junior Barbee and Larry Barbee; two stepsons, Michael Dewaine Irons and Doug Cloud, Sr.; and one grandson, “lil” Doug, Cloud, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Diane Barbee of Royal; one stepson, Logan Irons of Hot Springs; one stepdaughter, Delorous Cloud of Cabot; three brothers, Worth (Diane) Barbee,of Cartersville, Georgia, John (Ann) Barbee of Concord, North Carolina, and Steve Barbee of Rutherfordton, South Carolina; one sister, Janice (Larry) Furr of Concord, North Carolina; one grandson, Kyle Irons of Dierks; one daughter in his heart, Elizabeth Bond (Courtney); one daughter-in-law, Kandie Irons of Locksburg; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family member and a host of wonderful friends.

A Celebration of Life will be 2:00PM, Thursday, March 16, 2023, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs.  Visitation will be 1:00PM-2:00PM, prior to the service.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.