Benjamin Lincoln Barbour

Birth Date: 12/28/1929
Deceased Date: 02/09/2025

Benjamin Lincoln Barbour, age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at his home. He was cared for by his life partner, Cynthia Beasley, and close family for many years. The family will receive friends at Parrish Funeral Home Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in the Hills of the Neuse Memory Gardens.

Lincoln was born December 28, 1929 to parents Hubert Benjamin Barbour and Mary Caroline Johnson Barbour. The oldest of their 10 children, he was raised on the family farm on Highway 210 in rural Smithfield. He steadfastly watched over his younger siblings and, throughout his life, modeled an interminable work ethic, intense grit, unfailing generosity, and a lively spirit.

From an early age, Lincoln had a passion for the outdoors—especially the woods. He began hunting and trapping at age 11, leading to the eventual realization that his exceptional trapping could produce an income.

Barbour Fur Company Inc. was born of this discovery, a business Lincoln operated with his brother, EJ, until Lincoln’s retirement at age 90. Having established himself as a licensed fur dealer, he secured trading partners across the Carolinas and Virginia, enabling consistent business with furriers in St. Louis and New York City. Lincoln later became licensed for international trade and developed outlets in Canada, England, Greece, and China. For many years, Barbour Fur Company was the largest fur trader in eastern North Carolina. Lincoln was a member and supporter of the NC Trappers Association, which inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also a renowned beaver trapper although he learned this skill late in life. Over the years, Lincoln was always eager to share his knowledge and expertise with young trappers seeking advice who were grateful that he would take the time to teach them. Many of these young men became lifelong friends.

Along with his legendary 63 years as a fur dealer, Lincoln owned and operated a successful farm on Buffalo Road in Smithfield for many decades. He and EJ farmed tobacco, soybeans, sweet potatoes and hay, along with raising cattle. Well into their adulthood, all six of his grandchildren can still recite the three rules of the farm: don’t step on the beans, don’t leave the gate open, and don’t mess with the bull!
In addition to the profitable crops, Lincoln maintained a prized vegetable garden, and also produced cantaloupe, watermelon, and grapes which he would delightedly deliver to the doorsteps of family and friends, often to their surprise. Lincoln’s generosity extended to others seeking to hone their farming skills, his reputation as a noted tobacco curer being of particular benefit to farmers.

In his free time, Lincoln enjoyed his beach home in Surf City, NC. You could often find him surf fishing and trading stories with neighbors and friends each summer and fall. Lincoln’s homemade fishing rigs made their way into the hands of countless fishing friends. His family will be the first to tell you, no one could fry fish any better.

Lincoln carried humor wherever he went. Friends and family were often subjected to elaborate stories, always ending with a witty joke that reliably drew raucous laughs. In his elderly years, he kept doctors and nurses laughing along with him. The last time his family was all together, he predictably concluded the visit with a joke.

Lincoln is survived by his life partner, Cynthia Beasley; daughters Joan Barbour Herrell (David), Donna Barbour Oldham, Beverly Barbour Alexander (Mark); grandchildren, Elizabeth Herrell, Spencer Braswell, Taylor Herrell, Hillary Braswell, Blake Cartledge, and Grant Cartledge; siblings Eleanor Barbour Hinson (John), Larry Barbour (Joanne), Veronica (Ronnie) Barbour Johnson, and EJ Barbour; Aunt Margaret Johnson Waggoner, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Hubert (Toady) Barbour, Mellie Gene Barbour, Laverne Barbour Hughes, Evaleen Barbour Lassiter, and Freda Barbour Fail.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the nurses and caregivers at 3HC for their care and support of our entire family.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that memorials be made to 3HC, 2402 Wayne Memorial Dr., Goldsboro NC 27534.