After bravely fighting lymphoma cancer for 16 months, Bill passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2015, with his wife Amy by his side. He was listening to the Ole Miss Band version of From Dixie with Love and the Elvis Trilogy.
He was born in Quitman, MS on June 11, 1950, to John W. and Tommye Lue (Dabbs) Barry. Bill grew up in Quitman, MS, was an Eagle Scout and went to Zack Huggins High School, where he excelled in athletics. Following high school, Bill played wide receiver for Jones County Junior College and was a member of the national championship team in 1968. He was also an All American and All State recipient. He signed with Ole Miss and played wide receiver from 1970-72 and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Before graduating from Ole Miss in 1973, Bill was drafted by the Chicago Bear. However, he chose instead to begin his career in banking and finance.
After graduation, Bill worked for Citizens National Bank in Meridian and Stonewall, MS. In 1987, he joined the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation and was named Executive Director in 1988. He worked actively to help new and existing business and industry establish financing, which created jobs and economic growth for the State of Mississippi. In both his banking and economic development positions, Bill forged many long-term relationships that he enjoyed throughout his life.
Bill remained passionate about Ole Miss Athletics. He was an avid supporter through the M Club and other alumni organizations and was the incoming President in the fall of 2016. Bill and his wife, Amy, rarely missed a home game and always enjoyed tailgating in The Grove with their close friends and family. He stayed in contact with many of his former Rebel teammates and he deeply cherished their friendship.
Bill is preceded in death by his father, John W. Barry, his paternal grandparents, John David and Sallie Adams Barry, and his maternal grandparents, Thomas M. and Bessie Box Dabbs.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Amy Ballard Barry, his son Brent Dabbs Barry (Dana) of Sumrall, MS, his daughter Dr. Lauren Elizabeth Barry (Todd) of Jackson, MS, and his son Joe C. Majors, Jr. of Oxford, MS. He also leaves behind his mother, Tommye Lue Dabbs Barry of Quitman, MS., his brother John Richard “Rick” Barry (Cheri) of Meridian, MS and brother Robert Louis “Lou” Barry (Kelly) of Cypress, TX. He is also survived by his three precious grandchildren, Faith, Camryn, and Blake, along with many other nieces and nephews. And his beloved dog, Gabe.
The family would like to thank Dr. Carter Milner & staff at UMC Cancer Institute and Southern Care Hospice Staff.
A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on January 3, 2016 in Ridgeland, at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway. A visitation will also be held from 12:30-2:00 pm on January 4, 2016 in Quitman, MS at United Methodist Church, 203 E. Franklin Street, Quitman, MS 39355, with a Celebration of Life Service following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bill Barry M.- Club Scholarship, C/O The University of MS Foundation, 406 University Ave, Oxford, MS 38655.
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