Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
George Barber Jr.: Visionary behind Barber Motorsports Museum dies at 85
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George Barber Jr., local businessman, real estate developer, philanthropist and founder of Barber Motorsports Park, has passed away.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum announced his death Monday evening.
Barber, who was born in 1940, owned Barber Dairies from 1970 to 1998. He is also best known for establishing the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and Barber Motorsports Park, which is home to the Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix.
In addition to his love for motorcycles and automobiles, Barber was the Founder of Barber Companies, a commercial real estate group that has a diverse portfolio with over 200 properties.
Supporter of the arts and conservation
Barber supported many local Birmingham causes, including UAB, Birmingham Museum of Art, McWane Science Center and the Nature Conservancy, among others, according to Business Alabama, which awarded him its lifetime achievement award in 2025.
Barber also served on the Forever Wild Board of Trustees and was named Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Conservationist of the Year.
Want to learn more about George Barber? Checkout the Alabama Public Television documentary about his life.
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