Barry was born in Memphis, TN on June 13, 1957, son of the late Norman “Bubba” and Donice Smith. He was their first born and shortly after his birth, they moved to Mississippi where Barry lived until 1983. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth L. Smith, granddaughter, Laura Duncan, and his nephew, Coty Grissett.
Barry was an extraordinary person. He always stood up for what was right. There was no gray area, it was either right or wrong. Barry was a Christian and he was a dedicated 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and worked diligently in his lodge to help the community along with many fundraisers that contributed to that lodge. Barry worked all over the world in his job as senior project superintendent with Westinghouse PCI which took him away from home quite a bit, however there was never a question of loyalty and dedication to his family.
He met and married Betty in the late 70’s and it was love at first sight. Once he met her, he never looked in the direction of another woman. He was in love until the day she left us in December 2020. Then in 1980, a beautiful baby daughter was born named Leslie. Barry was hooked…Betty, Libby, and Leslie, he put them on a pedestal. He was firm, he was direct but he loved with that same devotion that he gave his other family members.
In 2007, his granddaughter, Karlie was born and it was soon after that he retired at the age of 54 and came home to be a part of her life. The year 2012 brought another love of his life, a grandson Johnny which mother always said was a mirror image of Barry.
Barry was a very private person, however he was always up for a good prank, a good joke, and a laugh and sometimes at our expense. Oh, how he could pull a joke on mother and Betty would always say “Barry, stop doing that” and he would say “Oh Betty, mother loves it!!” The truth was, she did!! Barry was her oldest son and he was her go to when our dad died. Barry was the voice of reason, the voice of truth, and the voice of logic.
His life was ended shortly and early and we will never know why but I can assure you of this, He is in Heaven with his wife, his mother and dad, and all of the other loved ones. He is probably pulling a joke on them as we speak. He was not one to linger in sadness, he told me once that you choose to be sad so I will always remember that in the days to come. In closing, remember the goodness that he stood for and we will always remember this great dad and granddad, our brother, our family, our friend, and our love for him will be forever.
Barry is survived by 2 daughters, Leslie E. Smith of LaGrange, GA and Libby (Ralph) Hyer of Biloxi, MS; granddaughter, Karlie Smith of LaGrange, GA; grandson, Johnny Smith of LaGrange, GA; sister, Vicki Smith Harris of Stapleton, AL; brothers, Greg Smith, Moss Point, MS, Cris Green of Tennessee, and Benny Jackson of LaGrange, GA; uncle, Paul (Mona) Burgess of Cullman, AL; aunt, Linda Chapman of Eureka Springs, AR; sister-in-law, Carole Campbell of Lancaster, PA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 A.M. (CST) on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Ridglea Heights Baptist Church, 12601 MS-613, Moss Point, MS 39562 with Brother Steve Cirlot officiating. The gathering of family and friends will be from 10:00 A.M. (CST) to 11:00 A.M. (CST) at the church.
Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.
Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636
