Wayne Barber
In God’s providence, while in Asheville, NC, at the Billy Graham Training Center, the Reverend Dr. Wayne Allen Barber, 73, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was promoted to glory for eternal life on Monday, August 29, 2016. For him, joy! For us, deep sorrow and grief yet, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Instead, we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God!
Wayne leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 47 years, Diana (Barker) Barber; his son, Steven Wayne Barber and his wife Ann of Scottsboro, AL; his daughter, Stephanie Barber Christensen and her husband Erik of Albuquerque, NM; seven grandchildren; his sister Melaine Barber Haynes of Salem, VA; and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Wayne was born on July 27, 1943 in Roanoke, Va., and was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle Effie Barber and Claude Clifton Barber of Roanoke, Va. A graduate of Mars Hill College, he attended Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. He received honorary doctorates from North Florida Baptist Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Fl., and Covington Theological Seminary in Fort Oglethorpe. Wayne had the privilege of serving as the pastor of Woodland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, from 1981-1999 before taking a pastorate in Albuquerque, NM at Hoffmantown Church. God called him and Diana back to Woodland Park in 2011.
For 14 years, Wayne served as co-teacher with Kay Arthur at Precept Ministries. During that time, he had the great honor of studying with Dr. Spiros Zodhiates and co-hosted the national radio and TV program, New Testament Light. He was president and founder of Living Grace Ministries. He co-authored the Following God Bible study series published by AMG Ministries and authored several books, the most recent one published by Broadman & Holman is entitled Living Grace: Letting Jesus be Jesus in You.
Wayne loved the Tennessee Volunteers football team and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Most importantly, he loved Jesus. Wayne’s life was transformed by the enabling grace of the risen Christ Jesus. His life message was, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). His love for the Lord was seen beautifully in his love for God’s Word and people. His big smile and huge heart was a beautiful reflection of God’s love and grace to everyone he met. One of his most well known statements was “I can’t, God never said I could. He can, and He always said He would!” (Major Ian Thomas), and “Jesus be Jesus in Me” (Reverend Roy Hession). Wayne believed with all his heart “to live is Christ” and is now experiencing the gain of GLORY.
The family wants to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers they have received in the last few days. A special thank you to the body of Christ at Woodland Park Baptist Church for your love for Wayne as your pastor. The family wants the church to know how deeply Wayne loved them. “God is good all the time, right on time, just in time because that’s His nature.” To God be the glory!
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Woodland Park Baptist Church with Reverend Steven Barber and Reverend Erik Christensen officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, Sept. 2, from 4-7 p.m. at Woodland Park Baptist Church and on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 2-4 p.m. at Woodland Park Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund at Woodland Park Baptist Church, 6735 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.
Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.