Melvin Wilson Barber

Melvin Wilson Barber, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2018 in Jacksonville, FL   

Melvin was born on February 25, 1941 to the late Melvin Wilson Barber, Sr. and Minnie Dean Barber in Detroit, MI.  He spent his childhood and youth in Detroit and Hopkins, SC.   He served his country in the Air Force in Japan.  He earned a bachelor's degree from InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico and an MS and a PhD from the University of Kansas.  He was a professor of sociology at Arizona State University, Pan American University, Laredo State University, Florida A&M University and Flagler College.     

Melvin was a devoted father, husband, educator and historian.  Melvin cherished education, knowledge and understanding.  He loved genealogy and documented extensive family histories for his large, extended family.  He was an avid reader and book collector.  He continually sought enlightenment through religion and was active in the Baha'i Faith for many decades.    

Melvin is survived by his second wife, Rowena Noble of Gambo, Newfoundland; his three loving daughters, Anna of Washington DC, Marriah of Tampa and Stephanie Barber of Tallahassee; his first wife, Janet Barber of Tallahasse; his uncle, John Barber of Detroit; his sister, Brenda Tarver of Detroit; his half-sisters Ce’An Barber and Pamela Barber of Detroit; and a host of cousins, nephews and nieces. 

A Celebration of Life for Melvin Barber, Jr. will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018, at St. John Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harriett Barber House in memory of our Dad and sent to The Harriet Barber House, 3008 Twin Oaks Way, Columbia, SC 29209. 

Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 (904) 264-1233 is serving the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin Wilson Barber, please visit our floral store.