David "Lucky Bucky" Cowan Barber

“Lucky Bucky” Barber, rarely known as David C. Barber, Jr., was born the evening of March 22, 1957, during the semifinals of the NCAA tournament. He entered heaven’s gates on Monday evening, June 16, 2025.

He was born to the late David Barber Sr. and Carolyn Hice Barber. Bucky attended West Forsyth and Reynolds High Schools, and worked for many years as a pipe insulator.

For most people, to know Bucky was to love him. He never met a stranger and embraced everyone in his path. His laugh was unmistakable and came easy, his hugs were the best, and his heart was huge. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, and all things Wake Forest. Bucky loved the beach, golfing, traveling, good music, going to concerts, and helping others. After years of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, he found his way to AA. He was so proud, yet humbled and grateful for his 15+ years of sobriety. In AA, Bucky found his true calling in life. The number of lives that he touched is profound. These are people from all walks of life. Their love and respect for him has been evidenced in the way they cared for him 24/7 for almost 3 months. We can never thank them enough. Many thanks also go out to his lifelong friends and extended family that also helped in providing his care.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his longtime girlfriend, Sheri Hill.

He is survived by Tim Chandler (Annemarie), who he considered his son; his sister, Cynthia Smart (Robert); his brother, Thomas Barber (Beth); three nieces, Joy Hinson, Sarah Lunsford (Coy), and Katie Barber (Sam Amos); one nephew, Steven Hinson; two great nieces, Chelsea Hinson (Bailey) and Carolyn Lunsford; and four great nephews, Caleb Thompson, Coy Hinson, Nathan and Ryan Lunsford. He is also survived by a large extended family and a multitude of friends.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1pm at New Philadelphia Moravian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of the following, ARCA, 5755 Shattalon Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, Second Harvest Food Bank, 3330 Shorefair Drive NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, or to New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.

Bucky was “grateful to be grateful” and was determined to “keep on trudging” exhorting others to do the same. Well done, Bucky. You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith. (from 2 Timothy 4:7)

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Barber family.