Rodney Gene Barbour

Rodney G. Barbour, 56, of Broad Creek, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in his home  on the afternoon of Sunday, May 10th.

A funeral service will be held 4:00 pm Thursday, May 14th at Broad Creek Church of God with Rev. Robbie Strickland officiating.

Rodney proudly served in the United States Coast Guard before beginning civil service at FRC-East at MCAS Cherry Point and retired March 31st after more than 30 years. He lived in a  house but his home was Bogue Sound; he enjoyed clamming, camping, setting the net and flounder gigging. His pursuits on land included gardening, metal detecting, drawing & painting, and an uncanny ability to fix almost anything. Perhaps he will be most remembered for his sense of humor and his musical ability. He was constantly drumming a rhythm with his fingers and could play any instrument he put his hands on. But his greatest instrument was his voice; He used it to share his faith, to entertain, to amuse, and to make lasting memories with his daughters. He was a man of God with an unshakeable faith, even in the bleakest of times. It is the family’s hope that he be remembered not because of how his life ended, but because of how he lived it. Rodney had cancer, but cancer never had Rodney.

He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Suzanne Rose Barbour; his Mama, Janice Gulledge of Broad Creek; four daughters: Samantha Swain & husband Mark of Newport, Amanda Russell & husband Nathaniel of Broad Creek, DeAnna Barbour of Newport, and Meagan Arenas of Greensboro; Son: Joseph Killian & wife Amanda of Greensboro; Eight brothers: Johnny Barbour & wife Patty of Newport, Michael Barbour of Arizona, Larry Barbour of Broad Creek, Steve Barbour & wife Bridget of Tennessee, Jack Gulledge of Virginia, Dennis Gulledge & wife Thelma of South Carolina, Dale Gulledge & wife Donna of Sanford, and Don Gulledge & wife Linda of Tennessee; Two sisters: Gail McWilliams & husband Bob of Tennessee, and Maria Rose & wife Amanda of Greensboro; Five grandbuddies: Kayla, Charleigh, Taylor, Cade and Maggie Jean and several grand-dogs.
He is preceded in death by his father, John E. Barbour,his stepfather Weldon Gulledge, his brother Richard Kevin, his grandparents Manly & “Crinny” Morton, and Stinkerwampus.

The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday evening at Munden Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that donations be made in Rodney’s memory to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer. This can easily be done online at www.lustgarten.org <http://www.lustgarten.org>.