Michael Dewayne Barber

Michael Dewayne Barber, 42, of Greenbrier, Arkansas, passed away on August 31, 2026.

Michael was born on April 27, 1984, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up in Conway. He graduated from Conway High School in 2003. He was raised by and later adopted by his grandparents, Bessie and Phillip Barber, who became his parents and raised him as their son. Through that adoption, his aunt, Sandy Pfau, became his sister.

On September 12, 2009, Michael married Julie Kay Worthen. Together, they built a life filled with hard work, laughter, dreams, challenges, and a love that was uniquely theirs. Michael may not have always been the type to say everything out loud, but Julie knew he was secretly proud of her.

Their dog, Harley Grace, was never “just a dog.” She was their child, Daddy’s girl, his “Muppet Baby,” his pup-cup partner, creek companion, and one of the great loves of his life.

An electrician by trade, Michael later worked in industrial maintenance before pursuing his longtime dream of owning his own business. In 2023, he and Julie founded B’s Handyman Services. From its very first year, the business was award-winning and went on to earn multiple honors over the next three years, including Best Handyman, Best Business Overall in Greenbrier, Runner-Up for Best Business Overall in Greenbrier, and Runner-Up for Best Home Remodeler. Michael poured himself into the company and took great pride in what he and Julie built together.

Michael was a talented craftsman, a hard worker, and the kind of man who could look at something broken and figure out how to make it right. He took pride in his work, in providing for the people he loved, and in building something of his own.

Outside of work, Michael enjoyed fishing, going to the creek, spending time with Harley, and being an award-winning pit master. Family meant much more to Michael than titles or technicalities. He loved his nephews Kendrick and Peyton Hillis, and he proudly claimed Waylon Howie as his nephew too. If Michael loved you, the exact branch of the family tree did not matter much.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Bessie and Phillip Barber; his adoptive sister, Sandy Pfau; and his half-brother, Brett Davidson.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Kay Barber; his beloved Harley Grace; his half-sister, Courtney Hillis; his nephews; his mother-in-law, Tonia Worthen; his sister-in-law, Haley Scharmann; as well as extended family members, dear friends, customers, and others who became family along the way.

Michael will be remembered for his work ethic, his determination, his loyalty, his sense of humor, the pride he took in providing for the people he loved, and the life he built with Julie. He dreamed of owning his own business, worked hard enough to make that dream real, and left behind something much bigger than a company.

He left behind a wife who loved him deeply, a dog who adored her Daddy, and a community of friends, customers, and people whose lives were touched by knowing him.

Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Wilcox Family Funeral Home.

Funeral will at 10:00am on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Wilcox Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Arkansas Donor Family Council, Donate Life America, or an animal shelter or rescue organization of your choice in Michael’s memory.