EASLEY – Coach Eddie Barbary coached in Easley for many years and had a positive impact on the lives of many students and athletes as well as many community numbers.

Barbary has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, but he has great resolve to overcome the disease.

“Coach is handling this as many of us would expect of him, admirably and with great dignity,” said friend Tracey Underwood.

Barbary coached in Easley in the 1970s and 1980s. He later became assistant principal at Easley High School and made his impact on many residents’ lives throughout that time.

“He cared about is students and ball players,” Underwood said. “He looked after his kids and is a genuinely good guy.”

The fight against cancer not only affects the person, but others close to them emotionally, physically and mentally. It also includes the burden of cost for treatment and other expenses that are allocated towards life’s essentials that are related to the illness.

The community wants to show Coach Barbary how much he means to them, so some friends will host a fundraiser in honor of Coach Barbary on Nov. 20. The fundraiser will begin at 5 p.m. at the Activity and Senior Center at the Old Simpsonville Mill Gym. All monies raised will go to equip Coach Barbary to better fight the disease and for other expenses as well.

“Coach has been a staple in the Easley community for a long time, and we want to show him how much we care about him and support him through this fight,” Underwood said.

If you are unable to attend the benefit, but would like to send a donation, contact Tracey Underwood at 360-5230 or email him at traceydionunderwood@yahoo.com.