Barry Wesley Storey

Barry Wesley Storey was born on August 25, 1952 in the Newtown Community in Gainesville, GA to the late Joseph and the late Elizabeth Storey (Glasper). He was the third of nine children and grew up at 240 Atlanta Street Apartments. He attended E.E. Butler High School, where he played in the marching band, and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1971. In the same year, Barry met Debra Ivory (Storey); they married in 1975. He always said he loved Debra at first sight. Together, Barry and Debra have three children: Matia Edwards, Barry R. Storey and Taylus Storey. He adored his children dearly.

Barry’s grandchildren were the light of his life: Aubree, Auria, Jayden and Roman. He was happiest when he was with them -- giving them all nicknames: “Beacon” (Aubree), “Um-Bop” (Auria), “Jay-D” (Jayden), and “Romey Rome” (Roman). His grandchildren affectionately called him “Papa B,” and his nieces and nephews faithfully called him “Uncle B.”

For 42 years, Barry was an insurance broker in Gainesville. He was known as Gainesville’s black insurance agent. He developed many long-lasting relationships through his work and became like family to so many who had insurance with him.

Before insurance, Barry enjoyed being a member of the Gents Club and playing in the Soul Squad band in the 70s. His trumpet in hand, he travelled all over Georgia and to different parts of the country with the band. He was also an avid tennis player in the 80s and 90s -- winning a few trophies along the way.

Some of his favorite past times were: watching “The View” and CNN, drinking eggnog, and listening to music. His absolute favorite song, which he would listen to over and over again, was “Zoom” by the Commodores.

Above all, Barry loved the Lord. His faith was big because he believed God is bigger. He grew up in Mt. Calvary Church of God in Gainesville and most often attended St. John Baptist Church in Gainesville as an adult.

Barry leaves behind to cherish his memory, Debra, his wife of 44 years; their children: Matia (Charles), Barry R. (Amanda), and Taylus; as well as their grandchildren Aubree, Auria, Jayden and Roman; his siblings: the late Eddie Dean Storey, Belinda (Jerry) Rucker, Sylvester (Tammy) Storey, Marsha Glasper, Lisa Glasper, Troy (Bernice) Glasper, Vanessa Glasper and Ramona Glasper. He also leaves behind a multitude of nieces and nephews, loved ones and friends.

Like his favorite song, “Zoom”, says: Papa B has flown away.

“I may be just a foolish dreamer, but I don't care. 'Cause I know my happiness is waiting out there somewhere. I'm searching for that silver lining, horizons that I've never seen. Oh, I'd like to take just a moment and dream my dreams, oh dream my dream. Woah, woah, zoom, I'd like to fly far away, yeah where my mind can be fresh and clear and I'd find the love that I long to see where everybody can be what they wanna be.”
Fly on, Barry. Fly high like a blue jay. The trumpets play for your arrival.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Saint John Baptist Church, 757 E.E. Butler Parkway, Gainesville, GA. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at Saint John Baptist Church between the hours of 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.