CAPRON—Ira Holt “Pete” Barham, 86, widower of Virginia “Britt” Barham, passed away June 25, 2012, at Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk.

A native and lifelong resident of Capron, Mr. Barham was a son of the late Dashland D. and Nancy Gillette Barham.

He was also predeceased by his sister, Catherine Chilton, and his brother, Dashland D. Barham Jr.

Mr. Barham was the owner of J.T. Barham and Company for over 65 years. He served on the Southampton Memorial Hospital Executive Committee and Board of Directors beginning July 30, 1958, where he served for 40 years.

He was the Mayor of Capron for 42 years from 1960-1962 and from 1966-2006.

He served on Nations Bank of VA N.A. Southampton Advisory Board from 1950-1993. He was a member of the Planning Commission for the county of Southampton where he served several years as the director.

Mr. Barham was a member of Capron United Methodist Church, a Navy veteran during World War II, and loved Bluegrass music.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Deborah Ann Barham and fiancé, Kenny Williams, Ira Thomas Barham and wife, Phyllis, and Betty Jane Barham and Dashland Scott Barham; grandchildren, Christopher Thomas Barham and wife, Stacey, and Clara Brooke Barham Jenkins and husband, Billy; great-grandchild, William Thomas Barham; a brother, John T. Barham; and his beloved dog, Pearl.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Capron Cemetery. The family will receive friends at their residences.

Viewing for friends and family will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin.

Memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.