Mr. William L. “Dick” Barry, age 87, passed away late Wednesday in Lexington. Mr. Barry was born February 9, 1926 in Lexington to the late Henry Daniel and Mary Logan Fielder Barry. A retired attorney with Barry & Walker, Attorneys at Law, Mr Barry completed his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1948 having been only the 3rd person from Henderson County to attend this prominent University ; then in 1950 received his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt Law School. A Lieutenant in the U.S. Army serving in Japan with a medical unit, Mr. Barry developed a lifelong fascination with the Japanese culture. Much of his life was dedicated to government service. He was a longtime chairman of BRWDA and was instrumental in bringing this agency to Henderson County which in turn created the 7 lakes in Lexington & Henderson County. Having served 6 terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives, Mr. Barry’s terms were markedly distinguished as he held the honor of serving as Speaker of the House for 4 years, 4 years as Majority Leader, and 4 years as Executive Assistant to Governor Buford Ellington. Mr. Barry leaves his close friends, Mrs. Arba Milam Taylor, her son Steve (June) Milam, and Mr. Milam’s children, Stephen Milam, Jennifer Milam Lankford, and William Milam. At the request of Mr. Barry, a private graveside service will be held on Friday.
