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FUNERAL HOME

Memorial Park Funeral Home - Main Chapel

2030 Memorial Park Drive

Gainesville, Georgia

Keith Barry Whitmire Obituary

Keith Barry Whitmire passed peacefully in his sleep to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Oct. 4th, 2009. Always ready to give a defense for the hope within him, Barry lived his life to the glory of God. He was a Delta Airline pilot, an avid golfer and lifelong Georgia fan. His family and growing in Christ were his true passions. He was ever at the ready to help in the needs and lives of others. He is survived by his wife, Lauren; his three beautiful daughters. Katie, Sarah and Beth; his mother, Helen Whitmire; and his brother, Brad Whitmire, wife, Kim and daughters, Rebecca and Amy.
Visitation is Wednesday 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.. Service is 2 p.m. on Thursday at Ward's Funeral Home in Gainesville.
Barry Whitmire was a good man by the grace of the blood of Jesus Christ, and in the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21, "to live is Christ, to die is gain."
Ward's Funeral Home, 758 Main St., Gainesville in charge of arrangements.

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Published by gainesvilletimes.com on Oct. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Barry Whitmire

Sponsored by The VP-16 Eagles.

26 Entries

Captain Gregg Mettler, Delta Air Lines (Ret.)

October 1, 2024

It's hardly believable 15 years have gone by since Barry went to the Lord!
I will share a memory of Barry that was quintessential to his persona and character.
I deployed while in the US Navy with Barry to Iceland. I was his roommate for 6 months and Barry was a pleasant, neat, and respectful roommate.
Yet, we were all young adventurous men flying long hours with many tense moments and nerve-racking approaches in weather that changed by the hour. After many of these missions the young men, myself, our crew and other crews, all officers, would beat feet to the "Brass Nut," our squadron social spot where drinking beer, chatting about our missions, and telling tales would occur.
While many of the young men had a few too many, got loud and boisterous, and compensated for the pressures of deployed life and long work hours, Barry would conduct himself as a gentleman. He would join the crew, sit at the bar and have one beer, nursing it slowly, Barry would enjoy moments of fun as we told our tales, but knew when things were getting a little out of hand, when the foolishness started, to excuse himself with a smile, tell us that he'd see us in the morning and retire. I observed this as an example of true manliness. His actions were literally soberminded and worth emulating. I respected Barry for the control and discipline he displayed, while maintaining a gentle friendliness and camaraderie.
That's the Barry I knew and respected.
Once again Barry, we remember you, God's Speed and continue flying west young man!

Captain Gregg Mettler, Delta Air Lines (Ret.)

October 4, 2022

The years have passed. Barry's squadron mate (Captain Rob Crisci) and I often mention and reminisce about the fine character and excellent demeanor of Barry. He will always remain the gentleman and loyal friend we knew years ago. Barry reminds all that a life well-lived is a testament and legacy to your family, community and nation.
Barry had the tools to choose any career path yet started his young life serving his country and protecting his family, with honor and integrity.
We still miss you Barry.
I miss your self-deprecating smile with a hint of questioning MY behavior while reassuring me that I could do better.
I hope Barry's family is prospering, and any questions his children have regarding career choices, sage advice (I can say that now as a 65+ retired guy), or assistance, please let me know.

Gregg Mettler

October 1, 2021

I cannot believe Barry has been gone so long! He was my room mate in Iceland while serving in the Navy. Barry wasn't shy, but I could definitely call him "reserved". He had a wry smile and a keen sense of humor, but was too polite to take advantage of any humor that wasn't appropriate. He was good. That's cliché, but Barry had a warm and tender soul. He would pause if he sensed that another had a problem, and after a short observation, would ask questions and offer help. His sense of humor was covered in his politeness, but he did take all of my furniture and place my bed and dressers, with the help of others, outside on the grass before I returned from a flight. It was funny but I was tired and a bit mad. I got over it quickly though, and appreciated the fact that Barry wouldn't have pulled the prank if he didn't think I would appreciate the fun.
Barry liked to be a part of the bonded family of the Navy flight crew. He participated in having a beer with the crew, but he was too much of a gentleman to drop his guard. He was a pleasant conversationalist and was interested in many issues, but definitely had his own view of the world and his interest stopped when it conflicted with his known values. He was moral and classy.
I miss Barry and think of him time to time. Rob (another Naval Officer) and I will talk about "Bouy", as we called him, and reminisce about his kind demeanor.
I pray I will see Barry again and my hope remains firm that that day will come.

Jim Speirs

March 12, 2010

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family. Barry and I first met at Whiting Field in Pensacola...we studied together many a night before our fam flights. Barry was always positive and added a funny quip to every situation. He was a wonderful human being who will be missed dearly. He will remain forever in my prayers, thoughts and soul. God Bless!

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Dayle Van Alstine

November 4, 2009

Lauren and family,
I came to know Barry while serving with him in Patrol Squadron Sixteen.
I was deeply sadden to hear of his passing and of your great loss. I will not attempt to find the words to express this because I know I would come up short. But I can affirm all of the wonderful sentiments and recollections which some of our shipmates have already shared with you. I can assure you, if you were able to sit among us as we shared stories of "Buoy", you would laugh out loud, cry, and be very proud to hear what sort of man he was in our lives. Barry was a self-effacing and low-profile sort of man who was, ironically, always one you sought out for advice or assistance. He helped me a great deal with my upgrading as a pilot, and gave wise counsel during personal crisis. He was kind, very sincere, and funny. Knowing that I will not now be able to express these thoughts to him in this life, I would like the Whitmire family to know them. Barry will be remembered kindly by all who knew him and in that way will always remain among us. Your family will remain in my prayers as you continue on.

Sincerely, Dayle K. Van Alstine
Capt. Delta Air Lines

Anne Drennan Thaxton and Family

October 26, 2009

To Lauren and Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. Please know that you will be in our thoughts in the coming weeks and months.

CAPT KJ Johnson, USN

October 9, 2009

Whitmire Family,
I am also an old shipmate of Barry's, having spent some of the most impressionable years of my young adult life with a young, but wise, pilot named "Bouy". We called him that because a critical skill required of the pilot was the ability to locate and fly over the top of a device called a sonobouy, which provided acoustic information for where enemy submarines operated. Barry was one of the best at positioning the aircraft in the exact location in order to score a "kill". He was not just a pilot, but also a Mission Commander, in charge of all aspects of taking a cadre of aircrewmen and maintenance personnel throughout the world in search of our old cold war advisories. He performed his job with compassion, style and leadership. He was the Jimmy Stewart type of Naval Officer, sincere, honorable, honest and hard working. He was a mentor to this junior officer and he will be missed. Very respecfully, CAPT KJ Johnson, Commanding Officer Naval Station Norfolk

Massey Family

October 9, 2009

Lauren & Girls,

We were all saddened to hear of Barry's death. We will miss seeing him when the family comes to the beach. Please know that we will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
We pray that you will know God's peace during this challenging time.

October 9, 2009

Dear Helen,
I remember the excitement when you and Keith found out that Barry was on his way. You were very good parents to him and I last remember you all leaving Pine Crest to move to Atlanta.
I know how difficult it is to have a child taken from you. It is so against nature for it to happen.
Know that you and the family are in my thoughts as you face the days ahead.
May God bless you with an abundance of His grace.
Sincerely,
Billy Emmett

October 8, 2009

Lauren and family,

It was with great sadness that I learned today of Barry's passing.
I am so grateful that I ran into Barry,
just a couple of weeks ago, and we had the chance to catch up, and discuss our old Navy experiences, as well as more recent events at Delta. I had the pleasure of spending countless hours on countless missions with Barry in various parts of the world, and we enjoyed every minute of our adventures. Its difficult for earthbound friends and family to say goodbye to a loved one, but I expect that Barry has just been called ahead to help prepare the way for those that will eventually follow. Our friends and family members that have gone ahead, are not really gone, as long as we keep them alive in our memories. I will think of Barry every time that I show up for work at Delta, or relive a memory from those great Navy days. My prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time, and please feel free to reach out to me , if there is anything that I could possibly do to make this time less painful.

Captain Robert "spicoli" Crisci,
Delta Air Lines
( and former VP-16 Eagle )

Tom Sheaffer

October 8, 2009

Barry and I flew a trip together just two weeks ago. We enjoyed a nice dinner in Sacramento before flying to Boston the following day. Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers. I will truly miss working with Barry while serving the passengers of Delta. May The Lord bless your family with peace and comfort.

John Brown

October 8, 2009

I personally did not know Barry, but he sure did make a tremendous impact on the life of my son, Jason Brown (pharmacist at Publix Hamilton Mill Store). Jason told me that Barry was one of the finest men he has ever known. In fact Jason had called Barry to go to UGA football game with us last week, but he was not at home when we called. My sincere sympathy goes out to your entire family.

Gregg Mettler

October 8, 2009

Lauren,Katie,Sarah, and Beth,

I am shocked and saddened to hear that your husband and father has gone. Barry was an honest to goodness fine man, with a pleasent friendliness and a fun spirit. I knew your Husband and Dad very well, although we haven't been in touch in years. We were kind of opposites, your Dad was steady and serious, I was a little flamboyant and a little bit more crazy. But we were able to understand each other and I was proud that he was not only a flying partner, but a friend. Barry called me "Scoop" in the Navy, and I was his co-pilot for almost a year. We both spent long hours flying over the Atlantic, searching for those who might want to hurt us, and drank many coffees staying awake during the long missions we flew over Soviet submarines. We flew for 10-12 hours at a time, sometimes at 200 feet over the Atlantic, miles and miles from home, in the dark night and in the beauty of the day. You really get to know your flying partners. You fly with them, eat with them, wind down with them, and even vacation with them on deployment. Barry once took all of my bedroom furniture and put them in the field behind my officer barrack in Iceland. I came back to my empty room and was suprised, and right in front of me, out the picture window of my room, almost like a picture, was a nicely made bed, a dresser and a night stand, there for me to sleep in, if I wanted to sleep outside in the freezing cold of Iceland!!!
When I saw that his name came up on the pilots union web site I was hoping it wasn't so as I opened the bulletin. When I saw that my friend Barry had passed away, the first thing I thought was 'I hope Barry was with the LORD'. We really didn't talk much about our beliefs back then, and I was the crazy "Bull" Ensign, moral officer, to speak. My other crew members would think it strange that I have turned to the LORD, but I think Barry would understand, and I was so happy to see the focus on Jesus Christ of Nazareth in his sad obituary. Although I don't know any of you, my warmest regards are sent to you from myself,my wife Margot, and my six children, Kristin, Scott, Steph, Steven, Taylor and Sydnie.

With much love, Captain Gregg "Scoop" Mettler

KimBerly Van Deusen

October 8, 2009

Our Dear Whitmires,

Even though our children have graduated high school, remembering their graduations always were very funny. Senior Nights, Lauren & Barry would stand directly behind us. You were there for Sarah, as we were for Helen. And this past year, you stood for Beth as we did for Kendrick. I remember joking with you two that we had to stop meeting like that. It was funny. A special memory we will keep for all of us. God be with you all. We are here if you need us.

Lifting you up, in prayers.
The Van Deusens
Dean & KimBerly
Helen & Kendrick

October 7, 2009

Barry was a Navy pal who I followed to Delta. I always enjoyed running into him and catching up with family and airline news. I am very sorry for your loss. Mike Sherman (Cincinnati)

The Van Lede's

October 7, 2009

Barry always went out of his way, crossing a busy street, making his way through a crowd at Sam's Club, or even at the stadium at Brookwood High School, just to shake your hand and greet you with his warmfelt smile. He always had such great news to share about his lovely daughters and standing there listening you could feel the excitment as he spoke of them and all their great accomplishments.
We will miss him - but we feel he enjoyed his flight to heaven- as God was his Pilot and Jesus his Co-Pilot, then he Landed at the "Gates" of Heaven.
Lauren,Katie,Sarah, and Beth (Betty Ann) may the Peace of the Lord be with you and may God's arms surround you during this diffuclt time.
In his name, Chris, Rhonda, Ashley, and Abbigayle Van Lede

Damon and Jackie Frost (DAL Ret '91)

October 7, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Debbie (Gioe) Harmon

October 7, 2009

Lauren, I am deeply saddened to hear of Barry's passing...I have been praying for God to comfort you and the girls and hold you tightly in His mighty arms....I am so sorry...our loss is truly Heaven's Gain. I will remember Barry as alway having a smile on his face.

Paula Denna

October 7, 2009

Lauren and girls, my thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Barry was a wonderful person.

Donna Morris

October 7, 2009

We were so saddened to hear of your loss. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Donna and Jim Morris (parents of Mandy Schultze)

Carmen Sosia

October 7, 2009

Lauren, Katie, Sarah and Beth, my condolences and prayers are with you. There are no words to aliviate the pain that you are going through right now. All I can say is cling to Jesus, He is the only one who can give you peace and confort. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

October 7, 2009

Lauren, Katie, Sarah and Beth - our thoughts are prayers are with you today and in the weeks to come.

The Ashworth Family
Mark, Beth, Daniel and Timothy

Bobby Ramsey (2-Corinthians 1:3)

October 7, 2009

Please accept my condolences for the lost of your love one and may the god of all comfort be with family of Keith Barry Whitmire in this time of grief.

Theresa White

October 7, 2009

Lauren, Katie, Sarah and Beth - We are all thinking of you. Please let us know if you need anything. Our prayers are with you all. Theresa & David White, Mallory and Stuart Brady

Kent Gibson

October 7, 2009

No words can expess the loss of Barry. He always had a smile on his face and was always upbeat. He and I flew together in VT-6 at Whiting Field and at Delta. He was a good friend and a great husband and father. Your entire family is in my prayers as you deal with your loss.

October 7, 2009

To the Whitmire family,

Prayers and thoughts are with you.

The Breen Family

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