Barry passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of family.

Born and raised in Forest, Mississippi, Barry attended Scott Central High School, East Central Community College, and The University of Southern Mississippi. Following college, he spent several years working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C., and Jackson, Mississippi.

Barry later lived in Pensacola, Florida, where he was a partner in several food and beverage ventures. In time, he made his way to the Great Smoky Mountains, where he founded his design firm, The Copper Forest, and built a life he truly loved

Barry embraced life with joy, faith, and a generous heart. He loved deeply, laughed often, and never met a stranger. He was known for his bright smile, kind spirit, and the genuine warmth he shared with everyone he encountered. Above all, Barry loved Jesus, and his faith was the foundation of his life.

He was a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and was active in charitable organizations including Friends of the Smokies and Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic.

Barry was preceded in death by his beloved life partner of 25 years, Stephen Leach; his mother, Capitola Everett of Forest, Mississippi; his father, Johnnie Phillips of Forest, Mississippi; his brother, Ricky Tesch of Forest, Mississippi; and his nephew, Alex Guthrie of Harperville, Mississippi.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his sister, Theresa Berryhill (Terrell) of Raleigh, Mississippi; his niece, Christi Breedlove (Randall) of Philadelphia, Mississippi; his great-nephew, Austin Thompson of Raleigh, Mississippi; his great-niece, Caitlyn Middleton (Sean) of Raleigh, Mississippi; his great-niece, Anna Breedlove of Philadelphia, Mississippi; his great nephew Chase Guthrie of Raleigh, Mississippi; his great- nephew, Tanner Guthrie of Raleigh, Mississippi; his great- niece, Makayla Guthrie of Raleigh, Mississippi; his great-great-nephew, Baylor Middleton of Raleigh, Mississippi; his great-great-niece, Stella Middleton of Raleigh, Mississippi; along with a host of extended family and treasured friends.

He also dearly loved his fur babies, Gatlin and Zoey, who brought him so much joy.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the VitalCaring group for the compassionate care and support shown to Barry and his loved ones.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date