Barry Wertz was born in the bustling state capital Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and was raised in the sleepier, less-bustling rural town of Strienstown, Pennsylvania. Under the direction of his grandfather the butcher Barry learned the value of a hard days labor, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. He carried these key values with him into his work life, family life, and church life.
Barry excelled in school and was the first in his family to go to college. His college search took him to Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama. Although raised in the Yankee tradition of the Pennsylvania-Dutch, he blended seamlessly into the deep southern culture of Alabama like a native. He was a successful student, president of the KA fraternity and honored as a member of Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities. During that period of his life he met Nancy Odom, an honor student from Atmore Alabama and belle of the south. The week after their graduation Barry and Nancy were married, solidifying a formidable alliance that would last almost 55 years.
A full scholarship to Tulane Law School brought Barry and his bride to the Crescent City. A member of the law review, Barry graduated at the top of his class and joined Exxon’s legal department on graduation. While living in New Orleans Nancy and Barry were involved in their local church youth group as counselors, building relationships that continue to this day.
In 1968 Barry and Nancy welcomed a son Lee, and in 1970 a daughter Heather. He worked for over 20 years at Exxon, developing a reputation as a hard-working, thoughtful and fierce advocate.
In 1986 he left Exxon to join McGinnis, Lochridge, and Kilgore. He continued his litigation practice, speaking at national conferences and trying cases all over the world.
During these years he was a devoted husband and father and dedicated member of the Woodlands United Methodist Church. He coached too many basketball, baseball and soccer teams to count for his children, and was a mostly willing participant in plays, choir concerts, and performances by his children through their high school years.
In 2013 he retired from the practice of law to pursue his true calling: the coddling and entertainment of grandchildren. He managed to violate every rule he had established as a parent of his children when dealing with his grandchildren. He was a willing participant in plays, choir concerts, and performances in which his grandchildren shined.
He was stoic, thoughtful, creative, kind and loving. He was funny, and he spoke the truth, and he knew what he was talking about. He was a man of exemplary character and honesty, and lived a commitment to family that will stand as his well-earned and enduring legacy.
He is survived by his often referred to beautiful bride Nancy Wertz, his children Barry Lee Wertz, Jr. his wife Jennifer, Heather Wertz Catlow and her husband John, his brother Artie Martin and his wife Glenda, sister Corinne Pfeiffer and her husband Ken, and grandchildren Allison, Anna, Audrey, Hallie, Max, Eric, and Missy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barry’s memory to the Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation, which will support The Gathering Place and missions.
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