Kenneth Barry Poe

Barry was born January 21, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Mabel Elizabeth Day Poe and Dudley Lee Poe. During his childhood, Barry and his older brother, Dudley Jr, were raised by their mother in St Petersburg, Florida while their father served as an officer in the Army in Europe during World War 2. After the war, the family settled in Knoxville, Tennessee. While at Knoxville High, Barry was a star quarterback, an accomplishment to which he rarely made reference.

As a freshman at UT, Barry attended a dance at Virginia Intermont School. At that dance, Barry saw Nancy Creighton Wheeler from across the room. He told a friend that night, “I am going to marry her one day.” Six years later, after his graduation and service as a naval officer, Barry married Nancy Creighton. It was a marriage made in heaven.

Barry and Nancy eventually settled in Raleigh, North Carolina where he worked in sales and industrial engineering. As a hobby that blossomed into a second career, Nancy and Barry restored many homes in Raleigh and became involved in historic preservation. When a proposed bypass threatened the blighted Victorian- era Oakwood neighborhood where they lived, Barry spearheaded a successful campaign to thwart the bypass and save Oakwood, now a thriving neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places.

After several years in Raleigh, and the birth of their daughter, Virginia, the family moved to Winston-Salem- another match made in heaven for the Poe’s. There, they joined St Paul's Church and quickly found friends that became lifelong family.

In his golden years in Wilmington, Barry helped to raise his grandchildren. He volunteered cooking at the Good Shepherd Center and tending to the grounds at Lebanon Chapel. And he cared for his wife, Nancy Creighton, with boundless devotion.

Barry treasured attending his grandsons’ Little League baseball games at Long Leaf Park; he loved walking at Airlie Gardens; he became a writer at age 85; and he tolerated babysitting his spirited grand-dog, Ori. Ori would not leave his side in the final days of Barry’s life.

Barry and his only child, Virginia, had a special bond since she was born. He always kept her safe. He taught her to be strong, to appreciate humor, to value friendships, and to use power tools. Barry taught his daughter that family matters more than all of the other stuff combined.

He held her hand from her first day to his last.

Barry was an extraordinary example of patience, acceptance and kindness. He judged no one. He was humble. He loved his family and friends with gentle strength. He was loved in return. Barry Poe was a true friend. He would walk anyone safely home.

Barry is survived by his daughter and best friend, Virginia Ancillotti, son-in law, Alan; grandchildren: Inman Christopher, Solomon Christopher, Leo Ancillotti and Neelia Ancillotti;

sister-in-law, Donna Purvis (James Butler); niece, Sarah Petersen (Scott); and nephew, Patrick Purvis. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy Creighton Poe, his parents, his brother, special aunt and uncle Nan and Bob Hurt, and niece, Hannah Purvis.

Barry’s family would like to thank Lydia, The Geisler-Fishers, The Lazyas, Marcello, Judith, Carrie, Amelia, Marie, Jane, the BFFS, our family at St James, and the joyful abundance of friends who have been of huge support during this time.

A Service will be held at Mount Lebanon Chapel at 1PM on Sunday, March 30th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Good Shepherd Center or Lower Cape Fear Life Care.

“We are all just walking each other home.” -Ram Dass

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.coblegreenlawn.com