Simpsonville
 
Donald O’dell "Red" Barbary, 83, husband of Betty Hamby Barbary for 60 years, passed away, Saturday, September 27, 2003, after several years of declining health. Born in Simpsonville, he was a son of the late Harper and Eula Taylor Barbary and the last surviving member of his immediate family.

"Red" was known for his life-long contributions to youth and adult athletic and community programs in the Simpsonville area. He is best remembered as a former Textile Baseball League standout, and a player in the Washington Senators organization. In 1939, he signed with the Senators, where he spent six years in their organization, highlighted by a stint with the major league team in 1943. In 1942, although, his baseball player position was a catcher, he pitched and won a 22-inning game for the Charlotte Hornets vs. the Asheville Tourists. For this unusual feat, he was featured in a chapter in Furman Bisher’s book Strange But True Baseball Stories. Mr. Barbary managed at Ware Shoals in the Central Carolina League from 1945-1950, and Simpsonville in the Western Carolina and Greenville Textile Leagues from 1951-1954. He was named Western Carolina Textile League’s "Most Valuable Player" in 1951, and the Greenville Textile League’s "Most Valuable Player" in 1953. These accomplishments led to his induction in 1991, into the Greater Greenville Baseball Hall of Fame.

Mr. Barbary was also a member of Simpsonville First Baptist Church, the Steve Hiott Sunday School Class, and the Joy Fellowship.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of the home, are a son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Charlene Barbary of Easley; a daughter and son-in-law, Jane Barbary Jones and Cecil of Hickory Tavern; three grandchildren and their spouses, Travis Barbary and Raquel of Easley, Elizabeth Barbary Nix and Marvin of Central, and Christopher Butler and Amanda of Greenville; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2003, in the sanctuary of Simpsonville First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Randy Harling and Rev. Robert Freeland officiating. The family will receive friends 6:30-8:30 p.m., today, September 29, at Cannon Funerals and Cremations in Simpsonville.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Steve Hiott Sunday School Class, and former Textile League baseball players.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Simpsonville First Baptist Church, 3 Hedge Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681; Meals on Wheels, 15 Oregon Street, Greenville, SC 29605; or to the charity of one’s choice.

The family is at the residence.