Barry was born in Shreveport in December 1953 to Bonnie Eugene Lewis and Gladys DeFriend Lewis. Barry was an adventurous youth growing up in Cedar Grove. He attended Woodlawn High School before graduating with his B.A. in Occupational Management in 2006, concurrently followed by his highly decorated career with the Shreveport Fire Department.
Barry was not only a father and husband, but also a public servant and member of the close knit community of firefighters and first responders in Shreveport. Barry was named Firefighter of the Year by the Shreveport Fire Department on two separate occasions spanning his 33 year career culminating with his position as Battalion Chief. He traveled the world, was a Master “Scuba” Diver and President of the Fire Department Dive Club and continued his education into Hazardous Materials and Fire Rescue.
To say that Barry was an avid outdoorsman would not be sufficient. He enjoyed time hunting and fishing and held the state record for two white tailed deer. Barry was able to find common ground with everyone he met no matter their stature in life. He founded the R.O.M.E.O. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) club in 2007 for retired friends. He was respected by his peers, devoted to his family and was fearless in the face of several dangers. He was never afraid to stand in the presence of greatness nor to stand in awe at the beauty contained within the works of art or nature he was privileged to witness throughout his life. He was just as comfortable reading the works of Homer or Mark Twain or enjoying paintings by Picasso as he was working in his shop or repairing an engine. He was always a consummate prankster and mischief-maker and enjoyed sharing his great knowledge of trivia often. We all stand thankful to have been given the miracle of his attention and love.
Barry was preceded in death by his father and mother along with his sister Carolyn Lewis in her youth and is survived by his wife Melissa Ann Lewis, son Billy G. Lewis (Angela), his mother Regina Reeves, grandchildren Tyler and Morgan and sisters Bonnie K. Jones (Ronald-Dec’d) and Martha Ballard (Claude) along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Huckle Bearers will be Mike Echols, Pat Miciotto, Ben Flores, Trey Watson and Randy Rhodes. Honorary Huckle Bearers will be Morgan Lewis, Tyler Lewis, and Vaughn Jordan.
Special thanks to the Shreveport Fire Department Honor Guard.
Visitation for Barry will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A celebration of life will occur the following day on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home with graveside services to follow.
