Person of the Week

by Amanda Spears,

Reporter

Tony (Pineapple) Barber, 56

Q.) Can you tell me a little about yourself?

A.) I was a young kid whose parents were out to sea. It was go to foster care or come live with my grandparents in Hohenwald, Oscar and Carolyn Barber. I stayed there till I married at 21. The absolute best raising I could have ever gotten.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) I was born in Nevada but I have been in Hohenwald since I was 8 years old.

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) My cousin Terry Carroll, was able to attend the fair and I didn't get to go due to not having the money. But after the fair he would come to my house and I would ask him what he wanted to do, and he would always say let's play fair games. He did that every time because I didn't get to go. I will never forget that.

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) Well believe it or not I wanted to be a disc jockey. One of the main reasons was I didn't have a TV until I was 11 years old, so at that time I would just listen to music. The reason I couldn't was because I couldn't read very good. But life then put me in a position where with John's help, we then started Pineapple Productions.

Q.) Who was/is your biggest role model?

A.) That would be my Grandfather, because when I was younger I saw how he loved to help people. I wanted to be just like him and help people. I hope I've touched peoples lives and helped them as much as I saw him help others.

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) I love to go to the river, being with my family and friends.

Q.) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) I would gosome where warm where everyone is laughing and having fun, I would say Key West.

Q.) What is your favorite 90's jam?

A.) Fantasy by Mariah Carey.

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hoheneald?

A.) That no matter who it is, when someone has a tragedy goning on in their life, our little town pulls together. Hohenwald makes you feel good and the love and support is so overwhelmingly wonderful. I just hope I have helped just a fraction like Hohenwald has helped Gina and I.

Q.) What is your favorite time of year? Why?

A.) I would say Christmas, simply because of the joy and laughter, and seeing all the kids happy.

Q.) What are some of your favorite activities?

A.) Well I enjoy playing cornhole. I love running and playing with kids, pontoon riding and music.

Q.) What do you enjoy most about your job?

A.) I love the peace and quiet when I am mowing the fields. I put my ear buds in and listen to music and enjoy the beautiful view.

Q.) Do you have a nickname?

A.) I do yes (PINEAPPLE) but soon to be (P/PAW).

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

A.) I would like to tell you all to be true to who and what you are. Always go out of your way to help the person beside you, and you should always enjoy life.

Q.) Is there anything you would like to add that my questions may not have touched on?

A.) There are absolutely no words to describe the love and support. As we try to stay on top for the calls, messages and love from you all, it's not an easy task. The outreach for us is amazing. So from Gina and I we would like to thank you all so very much. No matter how hard I have to fight this I'm fighting and knowing I have all of you fighting with me shows me that I can and will beat this. SO TO YOU ALL, I'M GONNA MAKE IT!!!!!