IS A PROMISE
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Barber is married to Judy , with two adult children , Landon and Victoria , and their dog Max .
However , the pride of his life are his grandchildren Baylie Grace and Bentlie .
Barber enjoys assisting his son , Landon , in coaching his grandson , Bentlie , in baseball . A sport that he once coached Landon in .
While life at the office can be very hectic , Barber strives to keep family first , which is what kept him in Valdosta .
In fifth grade , Barber and his family moved to Valdosta , where his father was stationed at Moody Air Force Base .
Barber recalls the memories of attending WG Nunn on what was then named Forrest Street , acting as a crossing guard .
In ninth grade , Barber and his family moved to Lowndes High School .
Barber said , “ I always say , everything you need is right here in the city of Valdosta , from education and jobs , we are close enough to travel , and this is a great place to raise a family .”
Along with his two sisters , Barber chose to raise his family and continue his career in Valdosta .
After graduating from Valdosta State University , Barber worked for a fortune 500 company living the “ jet set life .”
Barber said , “ I remember coming home , and my son took his first steps .
Barber is married to Judy , with two adult children , Landon and Victoria , and two grandchildren Baylie Grace and Bentlie .
That ’ s when I knew that it was time for a career change .”
He applied for a position with the city of Valdosta but chose to stay at his job due to a promotion .
In 1989 , Barber was hired as the city ’ s Principal Accountant .
After twenty-six years with the city of Valdosta , Barber was appointed the Interim City Manager in December 2017 , then officially appointed to the City Manager position in March 2018 .
For thirty years with the city , Barber has served as the city ’ s Finance Director and Deputy City Manager for Administration .
“ My motto is ‘ family first always ,’ it is important to balance work and life ,” Barber said . “ I will always love and support my children and grandchildren . They give me no reason to be worried about the next generation .”
The Barber family is notorious for their many family gatherings , and they are growing past the pandemic to begin .
Though Barber is not looking to retire anytime soon , he said he wants the community to remember him for being caring and compassionate in his position .
12 Valdosta Scene | August 2022