Barry Lewis Smith, 76, died unexpectedly due to complications of the Whipple Surgery to remove a tumor on the pancreas at the end of October. He died on January 10, 2024, at the Tidewell Hospice Bradenton.
He was born May 16, 1947, in Charleston, WV, son to the late Coolidge J. Smith and Mary Cecelia (Holmes) Smith. Barry graduated from St. Paul High School, Sante Fe Springs, CA, Class of 1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in August 1966 and was given an Honorable Discharge due to family hardship.
His first job locally was with the GTE Company. He then served many years in Law Enforcement including the Bradenton Police Dept, Murphy Police Dept, Murphy NC, Security Officer at the DeSoto Square Mall in Bradenton, and the Manatee County Sheriff's Dept.
He drove the Pace Car for DeSoto Speedway for a few years. There were many memorable moments in his days as an officer, but one stands out that he was the most proud of. The day they escorted President Reagan through Manatee County, the President stopped the limousine, got out and went to each of the officers. He looked each man in the eye and thanked him for watching over him, shook their hand, and saluted them. Barry loved that memory.
Barry was very knowledgeable in the car industry, especially having a love for Mopar. He was employed many years by Modine while living in NC. He eventually transferred to FL where the company had to downsize shortly thereafter.
He proudly took a job at Advance Auto Parts here in Parrish. He enjoyed his job as well as fellow employees and customers. He was a known jokester with many tales to tell! He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Linda (Smith) Coker. Surviving in addition to his wife, Mary Lynn (Petro) McLeod Smith, are his son, Barry Lewis Smith, Jr. and his wife, Kathryn of Bradenton; daughter, Amy Lynn (Smith) Niedzwick and her husband, Jon; one sister, Barbara (Smith) Keegan and her husband, Daniel of Bradenton; a step son, Richard McLeod and wife, Shirley of Sarasota and a step daughter, Kelly (McLeod) Perry and husband,George of Duette; eight grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Barry in a special way, may make gifts in his memory to Tidewell Hospice, 3355 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.
To leave condolences or a Memory Story for the family, please visit www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
