BARRY WHITECOTTON
Barry Lorne Whitecotton, 63, of Rogersville, TN, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in the loving company of his wife, stepchildren and cherished canine companion, Snoopy. Formerly a resident of Wheeling and Moundsville, West Virginia, he was born on April 5, 1961, in Wheeling, a son of the late Hank and Martha (Minger) Whitecotton.
The youngest of five children, Barry had fond memories of summers spent baling hay on their family friend Paul’s farm. After graduating from John Marshall High School in 1979, Barry began working as a security officer and ambulance driver at Ohio Valley Medical Center. In 1984 Barry began training to become a master locksmith, a skill that he honed throughout his life. Later adding certifications including HVAC technician, he worked to maintain systems at banks, churches, and facilities over multiple states. Rarely did Barry encounter anything that he couldn’t fix.
Throughout his lifetime, Barry worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Known to friends as “Bear,” and his grandchildren as “Pap Beardy,” his robust and warm-hearted laughter filled any room he entered.
Barry is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Wood Whitecotton of Rogersville; his step-children, Brandon (Melissa) Holmes of Wheeling, WV, Kayla Cain of Shadyside, OH, and four step-grandchil- dren, Reagan, Grant, Sophia and Accalia; his daughter Lisa (Patrick) Raney, and grandson Wyatt of Syracuse, NY; his “work son,” Brandon Glaspie; siblings, Hank (Diane) Whitecotton, Cheryl (Grant) Lynn, and Karen Whitecotton, along with many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
In addition to both of his parents, Barry was preceded in death by his first wife Sharon, and brother Gary.
Honoring Barry’s wishes, his cremated remains will be scattered in his beloved Smoky Mountains. There will be no memorial services.
His family thanks the staff at Johnson City Medical Center and Amedisys Hospice for caring so attentively for Barry in his final weeks. The staff of Tetrick Funeral Services in Johnson City handled the final arrangements with great kindness and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Barry’s memory by donating to the Humane Society of Hawkins County, TN at https://www. hawkinscountyhumane society.org/donate so that other pets like Snoopy may find their furever homes.
In our sadness, we are comforted in knowing that “weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).