Barbee taking steps forward during medical recovery

MAYOR OF GRAY
  • Mayor Ed Barbee navigated the step to sit behind the elevated bench in the D.V. Childs Civic Center for the June 3 Council Meeting. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff
    Mayor Ed Barbee navigated the step to sit behind the elevated bench in the D.V. Childs Civic Center for the June 3 Council Meeting. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff
  • The mayor, who had been driving since February, walked into the June 17 committee meeting. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff
    The mayor, who had been driving since February, walked into the June 17 committee meeting. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff
  • Barbee was back to preside over city council meetings at the Oct. 7, 2023, meeting. Still in a wheelchair, he sat behind a floor level table. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff
    Barbee was back to preside over city council meetings at the Oct. 7, 2023, meeting. Still in a wheelchair, he sat behind a floor level table. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

    It would be easy when attending Gray’s City Council meetings to miss the challenges Mayor Ed Barbee contends with as he sits behind the podium and conducts the monthly business meetings.

    A closer look reveals the complete lack of fingers on his left hand and missing fingers above the first knuckle on his right hand. Somehow, he is now able to walk into the room and take his seat up the steps withou…