Barry Andrew Woodhouse

Barry Andrew Woodhouse, a native of Cary, NC had a heart for God, a heart for his family, and a heart for the special needs community. He passed away suddenly early Saturday, March 7th. Barry lived his life with tremendous passion, humor and kindness. Once you met Barry you were immediately drawn in!

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 27 years, Paula (Beverly) Woodhouse of Cary, NC; 3 beautiful daughters Melissa Jo, Morgan Jane and Margaret (Maggie) Joy; parents Edwin Wilbur and Betty Ann (Smith) Woodhouse of Raleigh, NC; siblings Eddie Woodhouse of Raleigh, NC and Anna (Woodhouse) Summers and her husband Monte of Jacksonville, FL; three nieces Taylor Ann, Hunter and Anna Lee; three nephews John Andrew, Will (Hope) and Alexander, as well as many extended family members, dear friends, and his Brooks Avenue church of Christ family.

He left his friends and family often wondering how he could get away with the things he could. Loved ones would call him down right hilarious! He had a gift of bringing everyone together.

Barry graduated from Ravenscroft School in 1979. He was a 2-year starting sweeper for the Ravenscroft Ravens; winning two State Soccer Championships in 1978 and 1979. Barry won the Coach’s Award in 1979- a testament of the player whose heart was in every game!

In 1980, Barry headed to Nashville to attend Lipscomb University. While there he found the love of his life, Paula. Barry took credit for the campus wide installation of security window bars on the first floors of all Lipscomb dormitories.

Barry was a remarkable father! He brought to life his idea of a special needs ministry to serve his daughter Melissa, and it grew into a service that touched lives across the country. Barry and Paula have spoken nationwide concerning special needs, including recent engagements at Pepperdine University and Lipscomb University. Barry’s legacy will live on at the annual Brooks Avenue Special Needs Carnival. April 11th marks the 15th year of the carnival reaching families across the Triangle.

Barry recently celebrated the graduation of his daughter Morgan from Cary High School. She will follow in his footsteps, heading to Lipscomb this fall. Morgan shared her father’s love of writing.

Barry loved to spend time watching sports with his youngest daughter, Maggie. Maggie shared her father’s passionate love of life and sense of humor.

Every summer, Barry served as a head cook at Carolina Bible Camp, where he dished up corn nuggets and dinnertime hilarity. His love for Carolina Bible Camp began as a child camper, a love he shared with his daughters, Morgan and Maggie.

Barry was a man after God’s heart. He served as a Deacon at Brooks Avenue church of Christ. Barry was described as selfless and servant minded. He could be found working in the kitchen, offering a hug or sharing his wit. Barry was a man that saw a need and went to work!

Barry found great interest and joy in researching his family genealogy. He traced the Woodhouse family history back to Scotland as early as 503 A.D.

Barry had a spontaneous personality and a vibrant sense of humor. He spent a lifetime playing practical jokes on his siblings, daughters, nieces and nephews, and friends. He especially enjoyed playing trivia with the guys.

Barry saw the good and bad in life and he chose to celebrate the good!

Barry’s legacy will carry on in all the lives he has touched. He will be deeply missed.

Viewing will be Tuesday, March 10th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC.

A celebration of Barry’s life will be held Wednesday, March 11th at 11 am at Brooks Avenue church of Christ, 700 Brooks Avenue, Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Brooks Avenue Special Needs Ministry, 700 Brooks Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Carolina Bible Camp, 1988 Jericho Church Rd., Mocksville, NC 27028..