Barry Delano Birckhead

Barry was born on November 19, 1954, in Charleston, West Virginia the son of Dr. Roland Stillwell and Beverly Ann Birckhead. He grew up in Gauley Bridge, WV where summers were filled with golf, swimming, tennis, and the friends who would shape his life.

Barry completed his undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University and West Virginia University where he also earned a master’s degree. He later completed his doctoral coursework at Georgia State University.

In the summer of 1978 he met his wife of 45 years while serving as a camp counselor in Red House, WV. In 1979, after graduating, they moved to Atlanta to pursue their careers. They married and built a beautiful life together that would grow to include three daughters.

Barry was known for his infectious smile and his devotion to all of his girls. He was passionate about playing and coaching sports, which included coaching softball and basketball and coordinating the youth leagues at Kennesaw Mountain High School while attending countless hours of his daughters’ cross country meets, basketball and softball games and performing arts presentations.

Professionally, Barry dedicated his life to his students. He served six years at Georgia Institute of Technology as an Associate Dean of Students followed by 26 years at Southern Polytechnic State University as the Director of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. He was a compassionate mentor to thousands of young people.

In retirement, Barry enjoyed working and playing golf at Cobblestone Golf Course as well as tennis, racquetball, basketball and cycling. He was a faithful member of Living Hope Church where he served for more than 20 years as the board president, an elder, a drummer and a drama team actor.

Barry never met a stranger. He was a devoted friend, a beloved Sigma Chi brother, a quick wit, a faithful servant, a trivia master and a fun-loving “Papa.”

Music was the soundtrack of his life. A devoted classic rock enthusiast, he loved the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Eagles, and many others at MAX volume. He played drums for Living Hope as well as in the bands, “Friday at Five” and “Mid-Life Crisis”

Barry was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara. He is survived by his wife, Maureen (“Mimi/Mo”); his daughters, Caitlin (Alex) Brey, Emily (Jesse) Brown, Claire (Sam) Bendziewicz; his 5 granddaughters, Catherine and Charlotte Brey, Lucy and Addie Brown, Emerson (Emmy) Bendziewicz; his brother Bill Birckhead; his sister Elizabeth Glick; and numerous loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Barry’s name to Living Hope Church Youth Group (https:livinghopega.com/give) or to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (https://www.choa.org/donors-and-volunteers/in-kind-and-wishlist-gifts) The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to his caregivers, Beth and Olu and to the dedicated staff at Sterling Estates- West Cobb. God Bless you all.