Barry Richard Witherspoon

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Oct 22nd, 2016

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Death Date: Oct 22, 2016

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Biography: Barry Richard Witherspoon, age 60, died of a sudden illness Saturday, October 22, 2016. He was born in Clovis, NM on June 30, 1957 to Gayland and Fredonia Witherspoon. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Arkansas with a degree in Landscape Architecture, at the time of his death; he resided in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Barry?s career took him all over the world. He worked extensively in the Middle East, Africa, and China. Barry was engaged to marry Yen Yan Shen of Beijing, China. Barry was a member of Fort Hill Church in Clemson, S.C. He was preceded in death by a nephew, John Bradley Witherspoon, Jr. He is survived by his parents, Gayland and Fredonia Witherspoon, a brother, Dr. John Witherspoon, two children, Gavin and Ashley Witherspoon, numerous aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces. A graveside service will be conducted at Roselawn Memorial park in Little Rock, Arkansas at 11:00am, Wednesday, October 26, 2016. The service will be conducted by Reverend Scott Walter of Christ Episcopal Church, Little Rock, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(09)

Ian Fowler

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Barry was one of my earliest, dearest friends. We met as kids, through our fathers. Like my dear dad, Gayle was an architect who taught at the University of Arkansas. Though in later years Barry and I fell out of touch, we were fortunate to recently reconnect. He seemed the very same warm and lovable person I remembered from my childhood.

Barry will always remain with me, as a companion whose presence helped create and form my earliest years. He had an effortless and very natural sense of humor. It was an immediately attractive quality which was felt by all around him. His delightful family contributed much to this: I recall the Witherspoon household as generally being abuzz with mild chaos and mirth. But Barry had a unique way of seeing the world, usually revealed through succinct but hilarious comments. His easy, genuine manner was impossible to resist, and his friends were many.

It's such a blow to know that Barry is gone. He was a dear man. I send love and heartfelt best wishes to Gayle, Freddie, and John.

Mike McDonald

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I have known Barry since 1983 as a work colleague and dear friend. We most recently reconnected in Beijing. Barry was one of my favorite people in the whole world. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his family in this time of sorrow. May God comfort you. Goodbye ole friend. Catch you on the other side.

Jim Hambright

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry to hear about Barry. Considered him a good friend and co-worker. Prayers for the family during this difficult time. Barry will be missed.

Christian H.

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I only knew Barry for a very short time, but it was obvious that he was a very kind & strong spirited man. I am so sad to hear of his passing. My prayers are with his family.

Robert Tucker

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I met and became good friends with Barry during our time together at the U of A Landscape Architecture design school. We graduated together in 1983. He was a good friend, blessed with a big heart and a generous nature. My world is decidedly smaller without his presence. My heart goes out to his family and friends in this time of loss.

Mike Apel

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I had worked with Barry for several years, while he was at Fluor - in Greenville, SC, and have met his children; Gavin and Ashley & parents; Gayland & Fredonia.

I am sorry to hear of Barry's passing, and the family's tragic loss.

Linda LaGrossa Howell and Jeanne LaGrossa

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Barry was our cousin and we were saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gayland and Fredonia and all the Witherspoon family.

Ronnie Jones

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Thinking of you and the family. Ronnie

Vicki Fewell

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm a friend of John and Carolyn Witherspoon, and I have met
many members of the family at their house. Please accept my condolences for your tragic loss. I'm so sorry.

Barry Richard Witherspoon

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