Phillip Augustus Barber, Jr

Phillip Augustus Barber Jr., a veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Conway, Ark., passed away on October 18, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. Phillip was born January 21, 1940, to Phillip and Lucy Barber Sr., and graduated from Lonoke High School before being drafted into the U.S. Air Force in December 1961. After 20 years of service to his country as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician as a Technical Staff Sergeant, he retired and began working for AETN. Phillip received numerous accolades, medals, and awards during his service to the U.S. Air Force. Phillip married the love of his life, Bessie Mae Gable between his deployments to Vietnam. Together, they built a beautiful life together. Phillip was known for his unwavering generosity to those around him. He found so much joy in giving to others and making sure that his family was well-provided for. Phillip was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, siblings, a daughter, and a grandson. He is survived by his daughter Carolyn (Tom) Walker of Bryant, sons David Barber of Conway, and Michael (Julie) Barber of Greenbrier; as well as his grandchildren, Courtney (John) Hillis of Bryant, Colton Barber of Drasco, and his four great-grandchildren, Christopher, Seth, Kendrik, and Peyton Hillis of Bryant. His family has organized a graveside service to honor Phillip's life, which will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Lonoke on October 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. Flowers and arrangements can be sent to Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke.