Jimmy W. Barbee

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jimmy Winston Barbee of Crestview FL.

Jimmy passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at home, surrounded by loved ones, after an extended illness. Jimmy was born on November 14, 1933, in Tula, Mississippi, to Jimmie Faye and James “Morris” Barbee. He is now reunited in heaven with his beloved mother, father, and son, Michael Clark Barbee.

After attending Senatobia Junior College, Jimmy entered the U.S. Air Force in 1954. In 1958, he married his sweetheart, Bettye Jo (Clark), and together they raised three children and celebrated 67 years of marriage. Jimmy’s distinguished military career spanned 20 years, during which he served at bases in England, Florida, Colorado, and Thailand. While living many years in England, Jimmy and Bettye developed a close and lifelong friendship with June and (late) Mick Parsons with whom they kept in close touch with over the decades through weekly video chats and visits to England or the Parsons coming to visit them.  Jimmy retired from the Air Force in 1974, and settled his family in Niceville, Florida before going to work for the US Navy for another 20 years and retiring in 1996.

While raising his family, Jimmy cherished spending time on their boat, fishing and creating some of the best memories with his children. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who left a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear. He loved watching college football, baseball, and basketball on the tv and computer and he spread his support amongst the Ole Miss Rebels, FSU Seminoles, and the UF Gators. Jimmy loved watching old westerns when he retired and feeding peanuts to the squirrels that dwelled in his backyard. He always had a mint for anyone who came to see him and his sense of humor won’t be forgotten.

Jimmy leaves behind his loving children: Donnie Barbee (Jacquie), and Rebecca Coley; as well as eight cherished grandchildren: Logan, Tessa, Sivannah, Ariel, Madison, Dylan, Darby, and Ashby; and five beloved great grandchildren: Shania, Atlas, Jackson, Kienan, and Romee.  Being their Papaw was the greatest joy of his life.

Services will be held to honor Mr. Barbee’s memory at Heritage Gardens in Niceville on Monday February 3rd. Visitation will begin at 10am and services will be held at 11am.  A reception will be held following the services at Blue Collar Café located on Bayshore Drive in Niceville.

Much gratitude to the staff at Peoples Hospice who helped and supported the family in giving Jimmy much compassion and dignity in his last weeks. 

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