Francis "Barry" Barron Cameron Jr.

Francis Barron “Barry” Cameron, Jr. embarked on his greatest of journeys, going home to be with the Lord, on January 5, 2021. Born on May 31st, 1952 in Columbus, GA to Francis B. Cameron, Sr. and Mary Kathryne Cox Cameron (both deceased), Barry was many things to many different people.

A loving husband and father, Barry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rhonda Dingle Cameron, and their adult children, David Sean and Courtney Lauren Cameron. Barry was also a loving grandfather to David Alexander Cameron, a faithful brother to Kathryne Cameron Belanger (Peter) of Loveland, CO and Michael Cameron (Linda) of Fountain Inn, SC, and a caring and concerned brother-in-law and uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Barry was a business owner and excellent employer for many years before retiring and focusing on volunteer work of different varieties, including managing the historical section for Friends of the Greenville Library Book Sale and even driving the senior citizen bus for Greer Community Ministries. Barry was also a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and served as a deacon at Devenger Road ARP Church, where he was a member.

Barry was a historian, collector, scholar, writer, and traveler in the truest sense of the word (NOT a tourist). His love for US History led him to visit 49 of 50 states, seeing all Civil and Revolutionary War battlefields and most national parks. His love for European History led to numerous trips to Europe and his beloved London (no one knew London like Barry), and even to India as his real passion was British Indian history. His love for history in general led him to collect and preserve a grand assortment of historical artifacts, from artwork to toy soldiers, which he proudly displayed in his “India Room”.

Barry also became an accomplished reader of many genres, yet his favorite works were by Rudyard Kipling and Ernest Hemingway. Barry had a passion for life and experience that is so rare in this weary world. Perhaps it is Hemingway’s words that describe him best. Barry was “of those who like to stay late at the café. With all those who do not want to go to bed. With all those who need a light for the night.” Though his humility wouldn’t allow him to see it, Barry was a light for so many.

Along the way, as he participated in various communities of interest, Barry made many friends and inspired a sense of wonder and adventure in all who truly knew him. And to that end, Barry was the best friend anyone could hope to have, as the writer of this obituary knows from first-hand experience. His legacy of generosity lives on in those he blessed and his legacy of love lives in his friends and family.

There will be a private family memorial service

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Greer Community Ministries, 738 S Line St Ext, Greer, SC, 29651