Barry Brubaker

Barry L. Brubaker, age 79, of Gulf Breeze, cherished husband, father, “Papaw” and friend passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 20, 2019.  He was born December 11, 1940, in Pratt, Kansas the first child of James “Jim” Leon Brubaker and Maudie Marie Johnson Brubaker.  He grew up in Sawyer, Kansas working on his dad’s dairy and wheat farm.

The family moved to Warner Robins, Georgia in 1958.  Barry enrolled in Auburn University’s school of engineering, majoring in Chemical Engineering.  He served as vice president of the AU School of Chemical Engineering and well as vice president of Theta Chi fraternity.  He met his bride to be, Sandra DeRamus, there his senior year and they were married after graduation in August of 1963.

Barry’s career as a sales engineer began in Miami and continued in Naples, Birmingham, Montgomery and his final move to Gulf Breeze, Florida in 1985.  During this time, he and Sandra were blessed with the arrival of their three children, Todd, Laura and Michele.

Barry enjoyed his children, enthusiastically supporting them as they participated in numerous sports, academic and extracurricular activities.

Barry established his own business, Air-Tech of Florida, becoming a hardworking, respected, successful businessman.  He enjoyed many special relationships among his customers, considering them close friends.

In Gulf Breeze, the Brubaker family continued to grow with grandchildren, Magen, T.J., Alex, Adam and Sam.  These beloved “grands” spent many fun-filled hours with “Papaw” at the family’s Lake Martin home and the grandparent’s home in Gulf Breeze.  As they grew, he found himself once again cheering on the sidelines as they were involved in numerous activities.  He was so proud of all their achievements.

Barry was an active member of the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities as long as he was physically able.  He and his family were so appreciative of the concern, support, love and prayers he received from his church family.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Maudie Brubaker; and his sister, Dana Brubaker.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra; son, Todd (Gretchen); daughter, Laura Colston; grandchildren, Alex and Adam Colston, Magen and T.J. Brubaker, all of Gulf Breeze, FL; and daughter, Michele Fassbender and grandson Sam of Nashville, TN; and a host of extended family and close friends.

The Brubaker family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Barry’s caregiver for the past two years, China Harris, and to Emerald Coast Hospice, especially nurse Sally, for their care and support during the past three months.

Visitation will be from 10:00am until the Celebration of Life Service begins at 11:00am, on Monday, December 30, 2019 at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561, with Pastor Dan Morris officiating.  Interment will be private at the family Cemetery in Booth, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Barry’s memory to the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church at the address listed above, or to the charity of your choice.