Barrynell "Fish" Williams

Barrynell Williams, "Fish" as he was affectionately called by close family, was the third child of Lionel and Mildred White Williams. He was born July 31,1952 in New Orleans, LA and raised from the age of two by his angel of a "Grandmother" Dorothy C. Williams in Belle Rose, LA. That household filled with life, love, and the Lord, included his brother Digole, sister Arlanda, and cousins, William Banks, Jr., Ellis Joseph (Saku) Banks, Edna Banks (Coleman), and Theodore (Bird) Williams, Jr. This rearing formed a bond like no other as they are not known as cousins but as sisters and brothers. The only breaks occurred with the passing of Theodore and Edna, now Barry joins them in the heavens.

Barry was educated in the schools of Assumption Parish LA. He met his beloved Patricia Anne Jefferson at W. H. Reed Jr. High School in 1965. They were graduated in 1970 from the High School of the same name. Their class of 1970, composed of 70 persons, were holdouts from integration and became the last graduating class of the school as the following year the school was closed, and students then went to Assumption High School. The "Class of 70" remains a very close-knit, connected group, minus the members that have passed on. Barry served as class president; Pat was class valedictorian.

Barry enlisted in the United States Air Force later that summer and spent most of his active-duty time at Ellsworth AFB South Dakota where he was introduced to his trade as an electrician. He left active duty in June 1974 and enrolled in Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. Though he returned home to "Grandmother" he spent his weekends in New Orleans at the home of his mother. During this time as Pat lived with her brother Curtis Jefferson in New Orleans, the friendship they formed in high school turned to courtship (a surprise to everyone) and they were married in 1975. A true testament to "opposites attract," as Pat was the quiet and shy nerdy girl (believe it!) and Barry was the outgoing, gregarious "ladies'" man. It was that tall, lean physique, flawless dark skin and devious grin involving nearly all 32 pearly whites that captured the attention of so many but kept Pat at bay (temporarily) although they were always friends.

Barry completed his education at Delgado Community College, earning his credentials as an electrician and worked in industrial construction through Local 130 IBEW until moving to Falls Church VA in January 1992 as Pat accepted a position at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC. Barry began a new chapter of military service by joining the Air Force Reserves at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, DC. He traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras and South America performing logistical duties aboard aircraft.

Concurrently, he began work at The World Bank in Washington DC providing electronic security services and eventually leading a team of security specialists that accompanied the World Bank president as he traveled. He coordinated security efforts around the clock during the events of 911 as World Bank Offices are located blocks from the White House. He provided executive security services and accompanied the president on trips around the United States.

The family was living in Winchester VA by this time as Pat's job had relocated to nearby Martinsburg, WV. Barry commuted to DC for nearly nine years. He eventually left the World Bank and began his federal career as an electrician at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg WV. He went to work for the Coast Guard in 1999, commuting to Curtis Bay, MD to install, repair and maintain electronic systems the agency's ships. This position took him to major US port cities where vessels were located and he earned many accolades for his expertise. He retired in April 2005 upon a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease.

Affectionately named "Super Negro," Barry did not let this diagnosis stop him. He opted for intervention called Deep Brain Stimulation where electrodes are placed in the brain to control the symptoms of the disease. His surgical team at the University of Virginia Medical Center at Charlottesville referred to him as the poster child for the surgery. A mere 24 hours after the surgery Barry was on his way home to recuperate. He showed none of the telltale tremors of the disease and performed most duties as before and would not embrace the label of "disabled."

The disabling health challenges for Barry began in February 2016 when he suffered a cerebral blood clot which impaired his left side. But "Super Negro" underwent physical rehabilitation and was up on his feet in record time. Parkinson's was affecting him by this time, so he began speech and hand therapy with remarkable success. On June 10, 2017 he suffered a seizure, a remnant of the earlier brain event and this time, the full recovery was not to be.

Barry's exceptional faith, formed at his grandmother's side, was strong and unwavering. He was baptized at an early age at First Israel Baptist Church, Belle Rose LA by Rev. Daniels. He joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in 1997 and faithfully served as Transportation Coordinator, member of the Men's Ministry, Men's Choir, and the We Care Ministry. He could be found performing maintenance tasks at the church with his "Get-Her-Done" crew, Trustee Proffie Cook and Brother Wayne McGill.

Barry forged long lasting relationships as is evidenced by his marriage of 47 years and friendships. Among these are Jubel D. England, Rev. Dr. Michael Washington, and Proffie Cook just to name a few. His relationships with people paled to his dedication to his teams, the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Yankees. There was no distracting him when one of his teams was playing.

Barry is survived by Pat, daughters Tavares Kelli Williams (Winchester VA), Beryl DeShaun Johnson (Lancaster TX), sons-in-love, Jonathan Turner, and Tracy Johnson, grandsons, Saeed and Jibril Turner, sister, Arlanda Williams (Palm Coast FL), brother, Digole Williams (Sherman TX), "brother/cousins" William Banks, Jr. (Baton Rouge LA) and Ellis Joseph (Saku) Banks (New Orleans LA), sister-in-law, Lillian R. Miller (New Orleans LA), a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A son, Mikel Alexander, a sister, Yvette Mohamed, and a grandson, DeAntre Johnson preceded him in death as did his parents and grandparents.

Through Barry's many physical challenges, a heart event in 1999, breast cancer in 2000, Parkinson's in 2005, stroke in 2016 and seizure in 2017, he never complained. His spirit was undaunted as his faith was deep and strong. Even when his voice failed, his lips moved in prayer and recitation of the 23rd Psalm. Whenever Pat asked him if he was praying, his answer was always "Yes!" and he would move his lips to prove it. He was the imperfect perfect example to his grandsons of strength, courage, resolve and strong work ethic. He began sharing his skills with them at an early age, telling them that a man with a skill trade would never go hungry and that all work was honorable.

Barry was a man of few words, but when he spoke it was something worth listening to. His wit was dry and quick and often accompanied by that mischievous grin. His malapropisms are legendary. Pat often called him Yogi, referring to one of his Yankee baseball heroes, Yogi Berra. He loved sports of all sorts, but especially football. He and Proffie made "pool-hall-widows" of Pat and Donna as they played every weekday night until Barry could no longer go.

He loved his family – all of them and took great pride in helping to raise his grandsons. Their love for him is evidenced in the care they provided when he became dependent. Barry never complained. He never showed signs of discomfort or pain. He was a warrior to the very end and his family is comforted in the knowledge that his faith was unshakable, and he believed in the promises of God. Barry leaves a legacy of faith, strength, and service. He fought hard for seven years to regain his health and strength. There was never a complaint or grumble, his spirits remained high, and he smiled often until he quietly and peacefully decided it was time to rest on March 6, 2023. His favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm that he often mumbled at bedtime. Now he dwells in the heavens with His Lord.

A Celebration of life Service will be held 5:00 pm ,March 21, 2023 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester, VA. with the Rev. Dr.  Gilbert M. Mack, Jr.

Family will receive friend one hour before service at the church.

A Celebration of Life Service will also be 11:00 am, March 25, 2023, at First Israel Baptist Church in Belle Rose, LA.

Interment will be in First Israel Baptist Church Cemetery in Belle Rose, La.

MEMORIAL DOATIONS MAY BE MADE TO MT. CARMEL BAPTIST CHURCH FOR WE CARE MINISTRY OR SHOWERS FOR SOUL MINISTRY.

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to

Cartwright Funeral Home

Winchester, VA

cartwrightfuneralhome.com