Barry Wayne Smith

passed away on September 8, 2024, following a brief battle

with pancreatic cancer. His family and friends surrounded him

with love, encouragement, and wonderful memories throughout his

illness.

He became a National Honor Society member in his high school

senior year. A graduate of Auburn University's Fisheries Biology

(MS) program, Barry joined the State of Alabama Department of

Conservation where he served as a Fisheries Biologist and Chief

of Fisheries for 15 year; however, his dream was to establish a

premier sportfish hatchery which he fulfilled by founding

American Sportfish, Montgomery, AL” in 1986 with fellow biologist

Don Keller. Their research efforts produced the famous Tiger

Bass® and Hybrid Stripers. They also perfected sterilization of

Chinese Grass Carp eggs to safely introduce them into streams

and lakes. The hatchery provided high quality fish species and

pond management across the Southeast.

Barry's reputation for excellence and conservation garnered a

diverse clientele from a US President, dignitaries, entertainers, corporations, and private lake/pond owners; however, the self -described 'Sophisticated Redneck' remained

modest, gracious, and unassuming, always pursuing the goal of

healthy lakes, ponds, and good fishing.

His quest for excellence permeated every aspect of his life,

whether as an Eagle Scout, perfecting his craft, outdoor

photography or prowess as a hunter and world class fly

fisherman. Every step of the way he credited his skills to the

experts whose books lined his shelves, to the guides who coached

him to trophy fish and game, to laymen who advised him, plus an

attitude of "I don't do failure very well".

Barry's love of the outdoors led him on quests for Turkey Grand

Slams (4), trophy bucks, turkey toms, boar hogs, Alaska salmon,

permit fly fishing in Belize, Florida Tarpon and his beloved

Louisiana Redfish. His father taught him to "Kill It, Dress It,

Cook It, Share It," and that he did. Fish Frys and Gumbo,

Bluegrass music, dove and quail, and an extra deer for a hungry

family spread his joy across many homes.

Barry shared his life, living it to the fullest. His Bucket

List filled up and emptied many times making his life sing. His

greatest joy came from family and friends.... and a BIG TARPON.

He is survived by his significant other, Carol Pickard; son,

Wayne Smith (Jan); grandchildren, Wales and Campbell Smith;

sisters, Deborah Hostetter (Steven) and Susan Allen; nephews,

Aaron Allen (Laura) and Brian Turner; niece, LeeAnn Shaw.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Charlotte Smith; his brother-in-law, Andy Allen.

There will be a Celebration of Life held Saturday, October 19,

2024, at 12:00pm at 300 Sun Aire Plantation, Ohatchee, AL.

Memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist Church Youth Ministry,

75 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, AL 35128, where his grandchildren

attend and serve or Wounded Warriors.