Barry Bruce Smith

BARRY BRUCE SMITH HICKORY – Barry Bruce Smith, 77 of Hickory went home to be with his Lord on November 13, 2017. Born on July 4, 1940 in Wichita, KS, he was the son of the late Elmer and Marita Forney Smith. Barry graduated Wichita High School North in 1958, and Kansas State University in 1964 with a degree in Architecture. After working with several firms, he opened his own practice in 1976 in Tulsa, OK. He focused mainly on church buildings, designing over 100 of them. He also designed medical buildings and an occasional house or bank/office building. A boyhood gift of Marx trains helped to start a lifetime love of trains. His train hobbies included collecting, participating and serving in the Historical Railroad Society in Tulsa, and exploring area railroad museums with fellow train buffs. Barry loved music, playing piano and guitar, and he recently bought a dulcimer and was teaching himself how to play. He was active in Carolina Moonlighters Barbershop Chorus after moving to Hickory, until recent health issues forced his “retirement” from barbershop singing. Barry was an involved member of Hickory Church of Christ, working for and with several ministries, including the M25 ministry (food pantry). Barry’s favorite times of singing were with his daughter and granddaughter. They created the tightest harmony together, and he would carry a folded up piece of paper in his pocket with a song he wanted to try to sing when he was with them. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 7 year old daughter, Kristan Marie Smith. Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Kay Marie Smith of the home; daughters, Shele Smith of Hickory, Kamy Bibbee and husband Kevin of Hickory; sons, Jad David Smith and wife Stephanie of FL, Joel Rodney Smith and wife Michele of TX; brother, Robert E. Smith and wife Nancy of AR; nine grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 17, 2017 from 6-7 PM at Hickory Church of Christ. A Celebration of Life will be began at 7. Burial will take place in Belle Plaine, KS at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hickory Church of Christ, 1218 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC 28602, to be used for the food pantry, where Barry was known as the “Pantry Pastor”. Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com. The Smith Family is under the care of Catawba Funeral Home.