James "Larry" Barbour

CLAYTON – James “Larry” Barbour, 85, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025. A lifelong resident of Johnston County, he was the son of the late Victor and Rachel Franks Barbour.

Although his family did not farm during his youth, being a farmer was always Larry’s goal. Following graduation from Cleveland High School in 1958, Larry produced his first tobacco crop. Since that first crop, Larry was a very successful tobacco grower, sharing that love with his sons and grandson. Larry took great pride in stewardship of the farmland that he tended and owned. Larry got involved in Johnston County Farm Bureau and was first elected to serve on the county board in 1965, a role that continued for 50 years until his death. He was later elected to the NC Farm Bureau Board of Directors in 1986 and to the NC Farm Bureau Executive Board in 1994 and he continued to serve on both of these boards until his passing.

Larry served on the Tobacco Associates Board of Directors starting in 1986 for over 30 years, including serving as chairman of the organization from 1987-1988. Larry traveled the world promoting tobacco, dating back to a trip to China in the late 1970s with Governor James B. Hunt. Other trips included England and Portugal in the 1990s, and trips to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Bulgaria and Switzerland to promote NC Ag products including tobacco.

Larry was deeply devoted to the Cleveland community. He was a faithful member of Oakland Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years, where he served multiple terms as an Elder. In addition, he was a charter member of the Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department in 1961, proudly serving as a volunteer firefighter.

He is survived by his son, Jason Barbour and wife Deanna; grandchildren, Shepard Barbour and wife Amber, Jaxon Barbour and Ede Barbour; great-grandchildren, Levi and Avery; special niece, Yvette Davis and husband Anthony and great nephews, Christian Davis and wife Athena, Colby Davis and wife Shalyn, and Kyle Davis and wife Rachel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia “Pat” Byrd Barbour, loving son, James Barbour, and brother Roger Barbour.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 1:00pm at Oakland Presbyterian Church, 8927 Cleveland Road, Clayton, NC 27520. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service Thursday afternoon at Oakland Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Oakland Presbyterian Church, 8927 Cleveland Road, Clayton, NC 27520.

Condolences to the family may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com