John Budwell Barbara

AIKEN, SC - John Budwell Barbara was born on October 1, 1967 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late John A. Barbara Jr. and Julia Budwell Barbara.

During John’s adolescent years, he began to build small scale models, especially of vintage tanks, a hobby which he continued as an adult. The fine motor skill this entailed served him well as a tile layer. A memorable part of his youth was spent in Nashville with Mrs. Self, where he attended at a Learning Differences School. Soon after he graduated, he worked with Chris Tibbits, who was the backdrop artist for the productions at Opryland. Later in life John worked on the beautiful grounds, as a landscape grounds keeper, at Opryland, a match for his artistic talents, sense of humor and theatrics where he met producers of the TV show Hee Haw.

John spent several years living in Nashville and then back in Cincinnati before relocating to Aiken, SC to be close to his sister, Mary Burdsall. It was Mary’s care giving, guidance and love that led to his redemption as a person. It was here that he perfected the trade of tile laying, maintained his own apartment, and began the pursuit of dreams delayed. John had the good fortune to have a boss who understood, respected, and mentored him. John’s reliability and skills led to his boss awarding him a Vespa moped which increased his independence further.

At age 54, John’s journey ended suddenly and tragically when he was hit by a truck on his way home from work on July 12, 2022.

John is survived by his closest and dedicated sister Mary Barbara Burdsall of Windsor, SC and his stepmother Mandy Simpson Barbara of Cincinnati, nieces Elizabeth B. Cordial of Denver CO. and Molly Burdsall of San Francisco, CA and nephew Teddy Burdsall of Ft. Collins, CO. His surviving Uncle, Wm. Santen Sr., and cousins; Henry Berne of West Southport Maine, Cathy B. Scott of Lagunitas, CA, Lucy B. Sowell of Fairhope, AL., Charles Britton West Southport Maine, Bill Santen Jr., Tom Santen and Libby S. Gohman all of Cincinnati, OH., Herb Brinkman Jr., David Brinkman both of Cincinnati, OH. And Sudie B. Assaf of Akron, Ohio. Predeceased by his cousin Mason Britton of Old Lyme, CT, and his closest and dearest friend and caregiver, Mrs. Cleota Self.

The family asks that you make donations to a charity or cause of your choosing, in his name.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022 in the Historic George Funeral Home Chapel, 211 Park Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234) with a reception to follow.

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com