Person of the Week

Don Barber, 62

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

A.) I am long time business owner in Lewis County. I have made most of my living right here in Hohenwald. I'm a father of three amazing children.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) Right here in Hohenwald.

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

A.) Getting to go to the county fair as a child. That's why I love to be such a big part of the fair now. And riding motorcycles my whole life.

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

A.) I wanted to be an airline pilot. I became an owner of an auto parts store, and so much more.

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

A.) I have a lot of people who have been very supportive all these years. But two stand out. My dear friend Paul Bridges, who taught me to fly airplanes and was a very dear friend until he passed two years ago. And then Gary Reavis, who owned Huntsville Engine. He was my engine builder and taught me race car engine building for 30 years. He passed away in 2012.

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

A.) Well I have been addicted to drag racing since I stopped riding motocross when I was a teenager, so I guess the addiction continues today. I have also done a lot of flying over the years too.

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

A.) I enjoyed taking my family to Hawaii in 2012 We had a fantastic trip, so I would love to go again.

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

A.) I don't have a clue, I'm a country fan. I would have to say anything George Strait.

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

A.) The sense of community we have here, and I think everyone witnessed it with our dear friend Pineapple and his family. I had someone tell me something Saturday night after the concert that will always stick with me. It was, we can talk about each other but you can't talk about us. Because we always come together when we need to for one of our own.

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

A.) Oh that would be Christmas, I'm a huge fan of Christmas. I enjoy all the Christmas activities in Hohenwald, and I have worked with the Christmas Parade since 1977/1978. When I first started, we did a little act called The Moonshiners. I have also been announcing the parade since 1990.

Q.) You're a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be? Why?

A.) I would have to say burgundy, because it's a soft color of red and most of my race cars have been burgundy.

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

A.) I have always worked for myself, so I guess I love the challenge of being a business owner. The best part has to be the people I have worked with over the years.

Q.) Do you have a nickname?

A.) I do not.

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

A.) A true measure of success in life is how much you pay it forward in your family, friends and community.

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

A.) I love our little town called Hohenwald. It's truly a joy to see the success that's going on around here right now.