Captain Thomas M. Barber, PMD with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, age 51, of Macclenny, Florida, died in the line of duty on Monday, June 14, 2021, at Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital in Macclenny. He was born on April 3, 1970, in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up in Baker County.
Captain Barber joined the United States Navy in 1988, right out of high school. He proudly served in the Gulf War and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1992. His career path started with the Florida Department of Corrections, then to volunteer firefighter with the Baker County Fire and Rescue, and ultimately to his certifications for Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, and EMT. His first job was with the Cecil Field Navy Base Fire Station, then to NAS Jax Fire Station before joining the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, which he served faithfully for the last 21 years.
Tommy was a member of IAFF Local Union 122. He was a Christian man who dedicated his life to serving others. Tommy was a wonderful protector and provider for his family. He was a hero to many and a friend to all. He was known for his generosity, selflessness, kind heart, compassion, loyalty, courage, and most of all, his unforgettable smile. Tommy loved to hunt, fish, cook, brew his own beer, and was a huge gun enthusiast.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 22 years, Malissa G. Elixson-Barber of Macclenny; beloved children, Garrett Tyler Elixson, Caroline Grace Barber, and Olivia Katherine Barber, all of Macclenny; loving parents, Cherry Ellen (Davis) and Charles Edward Barber Jr. of Macclenny; brother, Samuel Edward Barber of San Francisco, California; sisters, Sarah Elizabeth Good (Christopher) of Fleming Island and Lory Denney (Michael) of Interlachen; niece and nephews, Charlie, Nicholas, and Natalie; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cherished cousins, other family members, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 21, 2021, at the JFRD Union Hall located at 618 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Christian Fellowship Temple, 251 W. Ohio Avenue, Macclenny, FL 32063 with Dr. Percy Golden and Pastor David Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Jacksonville National Cemetery with full Fire Department Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tommy's name may be made to JACKSONVILLE FIRE FIGHTER CHARITIES, 625 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL AND CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063. (904) 259-2806. Please sign the guestbook at www.blackburncurryfh.com.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Captain Thomas M. Barber, please visit our floral store.