Wallace Ray Barber

Wallace Ray Barber, age 92, of Cottondale, FL passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Wallace was a lifelong Cottondale resident on the family farm and was a 1954 graduate of Cottondale High School. His basketball team, in 1951, was first to win the first state championship in West Florida. Wallace served in the military at Fort Jackson as military police during the Korean War. He also worked as a Lineman for the telephone company for 40 years installing the first telephones in the Cottondale area. Wallace was a devoted member of the Cottondale Baptist Church. In his free time, Wallace enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and being with his family and friends. 

He married Yvonne Sexton in June of 1959. They had two children, Ray and Melinda. He later married Barbara Taylor Gardner in March of 1984 and had one son, Shane Gardner.

Wallace was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Bryant and Emma Ava Barber; his wives, Yvonne Sexton and Barbara Taylor Gardner as well as his stepson, Shane Gardner. 

Wallace is survived by his brother, Glenn Barber; children, Ray and Melinda Barber, Carlan and DeeDee Martin; nephew, Jay Barber; grandchildren, Brittany McCroan and husband, Justin, Brandon Gardner, Lauren Martin as well as his beloved, Mossy girl.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Barry (Junior) and Roxie Vickson, Gloria Douglas, Tonya Land, and Christy Barnes for the love and care they displayed to Mr. Wallace.

Funeral services will be 10 A.M., Friday, February 6, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale with Pastor Jack Brock officiating. Interment will take place following the service at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing. 

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Center (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).

Funeral services are entrusted to the Lambe family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. 

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