Lee Jeffrey Barger

Lee Jeffrey Barger, 78, of Monroe, GA passed away peacefully at his son’s home on October 17th, 2023.

He was born July 19th, 1945 in Milan, Tennessee; the only son of the late Leo Edwin Barger and Sue Brinkley Barger. He has an older sister, Gaynelle Phillips who resides in Nevada.

Lee and his family moved to Alabama where he attended Robert E. Lee high school & college. He later joined the United States Army Reserves & was honorably discharged in 1972.

In 1976, he moved to Florida and met Barbara Ann Vignola, who he vowed he would marry one day. After much pursuit and continual persistence on his part, he did marry Barbara, March 13th, 1977. They had one son, Jeffrey Lee born June 15, 1978 in Boynton Beach FL. They resided in the Sunshine state until 1988 when they made the move to Georgia.

Lee worked a variety of sales and managerial positions, with most his time spent at The Home Depot where he “bled orange” and took care of every customer. At the end of his career, he transitioned and was a store manager with Office Depot, before retiring. Never one to be idle he then rented booth space at the antique store Ally’s Attic, in Lawrenceville GA. His booth continually expanded as his business and “finds” were ever increasing and he became an assistant store manager, as well. Then he was available daily and never had to miss out on a “deal”

Lee and Barbara both enjoyed stocking their booth with various items and specialized in restoring and selling furniture. Lee would find the pieces and Barbara would refinish them to give them an updated look and renewed usefulness. They made a great team and thoroughly enjoyed their time at Ally’s Attic and formed some very special friendships with others there. Lee loved talking to customers and helping out at the store. He valued the close friends that became part of his life while he was there.

Lee was also an avid sports fan and loved to watch the Atlanta Braves play baseball and University of Alabama football games, despite the fact his only son attended UGA, he was a lifelong AL fan!

Additionally, he enjoyed hitting the casino from time to time where he would often lock down the slot machines and come home with handfuls of cash. Though he put lots of it back in the machines, too! He always enjoyed the thrill of seeking a win or finding a great deal! Another of his favorite places to visit was the beach. He loved playing in the surf & riding the waves and letting them take him. He spent many vacations teaching the grandkids about bodysurfing the waves and soaking up the summer sun with them.

Lee was a kind, thoughtful, pleasant & sociable gentleman, who made friends easily wherever life took him. He loved to tell jokes and make others laugh; bringing joy to all those privileged to be in his life. His humor was one of his many endearing qualities, as well as his hospitality and thoughtfulness. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the honor to know him. We celebrate the 78 years he had on this earth and acknowledge the impact he made on so many lives.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Barbara Vignola Barger, of Long Island NY, currently residing in Monroe GA; his son Jeffrey Lee & Lauren Barger of Bogart, GA and his grandchildren Coleton Parker, Ansley Parker, Addison Barger, Danielle Barger and Evelyn Barger.

Additionally, he has an extended “Italian” family on his wife’s side and many co-workers and friends who will feel his loss.