Robert Francis Barry II was born on March 26, 1958, in Brunswick, GA. He passed peacefully the morning of November 7, 2021, in Huntsville, AL. Our father, a man of love, honor, integrity, and compassion; was welcomed into heaven on a beautiful Sunday morning surrounded by those he loved most, his family. Joining his loving father and best friend, they watch down on us as we carry on through this life with his teachings as a guide. His legacy is strong, and his memory will live forever. Survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Rector Barry, children: Sarah Barry Bode, Robert Francis Barry III, Thomas Arthur Barry II, and Sean Bode, grandchildren: Thomas Bode, Michael Bode, William Bode, and adored Elizabeth Rose Bode, his mother, Theresa Ann Curtis Barry, and sisters: Debra Elaine Barry, Elizabeth Margaret Barry, and Theresa Barry.
As a typical Navy Brat, Rob grew up all over the county, but enjoyed a majority of his youth in Virginia Beach, VA. He graduated from Old Domain University, where he found the love of his life and began his military career. Over a decorated 26-year US Army career, he served with both Special Operations and conventional Army units. He held numerous key command leadership positions from platoon to brigade level; including multiple combat tours and overseas assignments. The same loyalty and faith shown through his entire life began to be the center of what made him a great solider. A master in every step of his military career: he was an Artilleryman, Airborne Ranger, Master Trainer, and Army War College Graduate. Rob played a crucial role in developing future Military Leaders as senior observer controller, Wolf 07 at The National Training Center. He treasured positions where he could teach and develop Soldiers.
A graduate of Old Dominion University with Masters Degrees in History, Administration, and Military Science, he devoted attention to every level of his education. Enjoying the details of a lecture down to his core. He was a master in every task or mission he took under his command. His devotion to his education trickled into his business experience in civilian positions after The military. Positions spanning from large and small professional service companies providing support to various US government agencies. Holding broad experience in the federal and defense markets, Rob has over 40 years of experience in leadership positions in both Military and Business professions.
An elite talent, uniquely skilled in every profession he undertook. His hobbies saw no shortcoming in his devotion to excellence. In his retirement, he found comfort as a partner in North Alabama Firearms Instructor, USCCA Training Counselor, and Qualified SME on personal protection and home defense.
His love of education and steadfast loyalty immortalized him as the protector of his family. The Boston Red Sox are also part of the family, as they have been since before he was born. Rob often spoke about his childhood summers spent running around Fenway Park with a few dollars in his pocket for a Fenway Frank. Or how he would be left to the city of Boston unsupervised, safe at home in Fenway Park. He passes that burning fire and passion for the Red Sox to his family.
Continuing to provide a lifetime of memories, and a centerpiece for what Rob enjoyed most, time with his family. His hobbies included spending time with his beloved wife: traveling, cooking, dancing, singing, and scuba diving. He enjoyed the art of telling a great story and the history he might weave into it, providing natural education. He enjoyed his Firearm education, wonderful German Shepard companions, Range time, a cold beer, and did we mention Red Sox baseball? He was an exuberant man, willfully devoted to his family; bound by blood to his Country, and loved by so very many. He will not be forgotten.
RET COL Barry's Funeral will be on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 12:45pm at Old Post Chapel. Interment will immediately follow in Arlington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send stories and condolences of Rob to [email protected], allowing us to remember him through everyone he has shown kindness to during his journey.
