Edward G. Barry Jr.

TYLER —     Tyler native and businessman, Edward “Ed” Greer Barry Jr., 88, passed peacefully from this world into heaven on November 22, 2024.

Ed was born September 12, 1936, in Tyler, Texas. He was a graduate of Tyler High class of ‘54 and attended TJC before transferring to TCU where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1958. He graduated from UT Tyler with a master’s degree in psychology in 1992.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Ed climbed his way from delivery driver to owner and operator of B&B Meat Company and Barry’s Seafood. Following the sale of the meat company, Ed enjoyed several endeavors including working as an operator in the oil & gas industry, counseling, and sales. In his younger days, he officiated high school football and basketball in the Tyler Chapter. Through all his years, while watching a football game on TV, Ed could immediately spot a foul—sometimes even before the officials! Ed had his private pilot license and enjoyed flying with family and friends. His favorite destination was Rockport, Texas for deep sea fishing.

Ed was a third-generation member of First Christian Church where he held numerous positions including Chairman of the Board, Elder, Deacon, youth leader and chair of various committees. As a boy, he enjoyed many summers attending Camp Underwood in Athens, Texas, — an experience which he credits for the acquisition of many of his leadership abilities. Ed had his license as a lay minister and served many small Disciples of Christ churches throughout East Texas including Rusk, Tatum, and Selman City. His family has many fond memories of waiting for dad to arrive home from church on a Sunday afternoon so they could enjoy an outing together at the Tyler Petroleum Club.

A proud graduate of TCU, Ed was not only a member of the TCU Alumni Association for over 50 years, but an avid football fan rooting for the Fighin’ Frogs through good and bad seasons! If he was unable to watch the game live stream, he would record it to watch later in the day—everyone knew not to tell him the score until he could enjoy the game himself.

As a young boy, Ed was a member of the “Grove Street Gang” helping rid the streets of Tyler of “German spies” after WWII. He had fond memories of playing in the McClendon House, which was close to his Grove Street upbringing. As an adult, he became a vital member of the McClendon House Board helping to restore the home to its former glory. To help raise much needed funds for repairs and operation, Ed helped initiate the McClendon House Flag Program providing flags to Tyler residents and businesses on patriotic holidays throughout the year. He became affectionately known as the “flag man” to many in the community.

One of Ed’s greatest accomplishments was beating alcoholism in April 2000. He would have received his 25-year chip in April—achieving a quarter century of sobriety!! His family looked forward to Ed’s birthday night each year, praising him for the legacy he left to his family. He became a sponsor to many members in AA, helping to lead others to a life of sobriety. He was the President of the AA Alpha Corporation for many years and was so honored recently that he was voted president once again despite his illness. His pride in this work gave him the drive to grow stronger so he could continue in that role.

Ed was an avid storyteller. He never met a stranger and was quick to share a story from events spanning all seasons of his life. Anyone who spent time with Ed has heard him say, “I have a story to tell…” He loved history and had a history book level memory of historical or political events. He and Jan were able to travel to Washington D.C. to witness the inauguration of Louie Gohmert. He also had an uncanny ability to predict elections. He was thrilled that he lived long enough to see his last election prediction come true.

Preceding Ed in death are his parents, Ed and Maude Buckingham Barry, brother David Barry and daughter Holly Barry.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jan Allen Barry, daughters Kay Davis and Jill Wallace and husband Mike Wallace; grandchildren, Tiffany Land, Austin Davis, Madeline Claiborne and husband Jalen Claiborne, Callie Parrish and husband David Parrish, Whitney Smalley and husband Adam Smalley, Lacey Wallace and fiancé Jack Toomey; great-grandchildren, Kaylie Land, Zia Claiborne, Hallie Parrish, Cameron Parrish and Cooper Smalley; sister Martha Ewing and husband Mac Ewing; brother-in-law Rick Allen and wife Melinda Allen; sister-in-law Alma Allen; nieces and nephews, Ben Allen and wife Ginger, Ashley Allen Choate and husband Tim, Veronica Allen, and Vanessa Allen; and many, many cousins.

A memorial service was held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at First Christian Church, 4202 S. Broadway, with Senior Minister Dr. Chris Pulliam officiating with Rev. Ron Byrd assisting. Reception to follow. There was a family graveside burial at 10:00 am at Rose Hill Cemetery prior to the memorial service.

Pallbearers include Ricky Davis, Mike Wallace, Austin Davis, David Parrish, Jalen Claiborne and Adam Smalley. Honorary pallbearers include David Moore, Dennis Strong, George Tefteller, and James Goodman.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Ashigbi at Hope Cancer Clinic, David McCaskill, ACNP, the Christus Heart Failure Clinic team, and the staff at Hospice of East Texas, especially nurse Tammy, who cared for him in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 4202 S Broadway, Tyler, TX 75701; McClendon House Flags, PO Box 10036, Tyler, TX 75711; or Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701