Thomas Richard Barry

Thomas Richard Barry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed away on August 2, 2024. He was born on October 22, 1949 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Patrick Joseph Barry and Catherine Elizabeth (Kay) Dziewguc Barry. 

Tom grew up in Chelsea, Massachusetts with a brother and two sisters. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam war and was very proud of his service. During his military service he was stationed in Charleston, SC for a time and there he started thinking of moving away from the cold and snow of his home state to a more southern climate. He returned to his home in Chelsea after his Air Force service and entered the computer field as a main frame operator. Shortly after the Boston blizzard of 1978 he was offered a job transfer to Atlanta and his desire to live in the south came to fruition. At his new job in Atlanta, he met the one who would be his wife and share his life for 45 years. 

Over the following years Tom worked for several firms in their computer departments and later worked for AA Synagogue in Atlanta and lastly Woodruff Art’s Center of Atlanta. After growing up as a “City Boy”, Tom enjoyed having a large yard that he could care for. Later, purchasing a century old home in Villa Rica he proceeded to rewire the entire house and did almost all of the restoration himself. He was proud when the work was inspected and passed with flying colors. He enjoyed sharing his expertise with the kids and grands as they came along. He was always busy puttering around the yard or his little barn, or sitting on his front porch listening to Classic Rock on the radio. He loved this small town life.

Tom had a heart of gold and was a wonderful husband and great father and grandfather. He will be remembered mostly for his love of family because that is how he spent most of his spare time. He had a personality that made everyone comfortable around him. When things got serious you could always count on him to lighten things up with a bit of his “Yankee” wit. When the first grandchild started talking he jokingly told him “Don’t call me Grand Dad, call me Mr. Barry” implying he was too young to be called Grand Dad. Of course, they continued to call him Grand Dad and he loved it.

Tom is preceded in death by both his Mother and Father and a brother, Patrick Joseph Barry. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Kathi Barry, sons Thomas Richard “Rich” Barry II, Villa Rica, GA, and Wesley E. Veitch, Vienna, VA., one daughter Tracie Cooper (Kerry) Temple, GA.; Grandsons James Cooper (Katelynn), Jacob Cooper, Joel Cooper (Emilee), Dylan Veitch, Chandler Barry, Carson Barry, Landin Barry, Julien Veitch; Granddaughters Sophia Veitch and Adrianna Barry; two great grandsons, Sebastian and Carson; two sisters, Roberta Knowlton, Clearwater Fl and Nancy Barry, East Boston MA; nieces, nephews and many other extended family members.

Tom’s wishes were for cremation and the family has decided to have a Celebration of Life at a later date making it possible for all of the important people in his life to attend.

Messages of condolences may be sent to www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services of Villa Rica is in charge of the arrangements. 770-459-3694