Lt. Col. Greg “Spanky” Barber, age 55, of Farmersville Texas passed tragically on December 31, 2016 in a two-plane accident in McKinney Texas at approximately 5:30 p. m. Greg, an elite and decorated United States Air Force pilot and flight instructor was spending an afternoon of quality father-son time with Tim, his number 3 son, doing what they both loved, flying. Greg had a passion for flying, serving his country, and humbly serving others. Greg was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Farmersville and active in the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Project “Operation Appreciation” (sending care packages to our local troop’s currently deployed over-seas) and many other local and worthy causes. Greg personified the phrase “Humble Servitude” touching literally thousands of fortunate lives during his short time on this earth. His love for service was only surpassed by the love of his family, countless friends and of course the Lord. Spanky whole heartedly loved his family, his community, his country, his faith and he truly loved to fly.
Matthew 25:23 …His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Greg “Spanky” Barber is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mandy Barber, sons; Ben Barber, stationed at Beale Air Force Base in Yuba City, California, Franklyn Barber and wife Tiffany Barber of Wellington, Texas and daughter, Becca Barber of Farmersville, Texas as well as Greg’s parents Frank and Sally Barber and sister Lori Barber of Morris, Illinois.
Local Services will be held Monday, January 9, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Plano, located at 3160 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX. 75074. Greg and his son Tim will also receive a military service and burial at the U.S. Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs Colorado.