Mr. Barron was born on April 27, 1946, in Thomaston, GA, to the late Lois Downs Barron McBrayer and Harvey Brooks Barron. H was a 1964 graduate of R. E. Lee Institute where he was Student Council President and voted Mr. R.E. Lee. He then attended the University of Georgia, where he met Brenda (most importantly) and received a degree in Education. He was also a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the National Society of Pershing Rifles. He held professional certificates in economic development from the College of Charleston and corporate community relations from Boston College. Rather than pursue a career in education, he entered the business world, and in January of 1970, he joined Thomaston Mills as human resources manager of the Griffin Division. Later he became corporate training and safety director, corporate director of human resources, and area manager of yarn manufacturing. In 1980 he left to open an executive search business in the textile industry. In 1983, he joined Contel, the third largest independent phone company in the United States, with the responsibility of establishing its Georgia headquarters in Thomaston, Georgia. He later assumed responsibility for all residential and business sales functions, including the establishment of a business service center. After Contel merged with GTE in 1991, he moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to become the GTE spokesperson for South Carolina and to handle all external functions for the company. Shortly after the merger with Bell Atlantic that resulted in Verizon Wireless, he moved to the external affairs division of Verizon’s legal department assuming responsibilities for government relations at all levels and regulatory compliance. During his life, he was involved in many civic and professional organizations. He was active in Lions International for many years and held every office in the local club as well as several district and state offices. After moving to Myrtle Beach, he became a Rotarian and held several offices in the Myrtle Beach Chicora Club and was a holder of multiple Paul Harris Fellow awards. He was actively involved in numerous chambers of commerce, downtown development, and economic development organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. He was heavily involved in education initiatives and served on the Board of Directors of Westwood Academy in Thomaston, Georgia, and Kids Voting USA. He was also involved in GTE’s Growth Initiative for Teachers program. He was a member of the South Carolina Press Association and South Carolina Broadcasters Association. In Myrtle Beach, he was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church and Brittain Fellowship. He was also a member of the Dunes Golf and Beach Club and worked on numerous committees there over the years.
Throughout his professional achievements, he remained a steadfast leader of both his family and community. He will be profoundly missed.
Mr. Barron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Brenda Moore Barron, and two children Brant (Cory) Barron and Brandon (Kristina) Barron, and his grandchildren: Caroline (mother - Emily), Milena, Alexander, Lucinda, Danil, Maria, and Georgia.
Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.
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