Barry Steven Liner

Barry Steven "Steve" Liner

Barry Steven "Steve" Liner, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2012 in Plains, Georgia, after a long battle with Crohn's disease. Steve was born in Dalton, Georgia on May 3, 1953 to Harold and Sue Liner.

In 1971, Steve graduated from Dalton High School. He attended the University of West Georgia, where he received a BS in Education with an emphasis in theater in 1975. While at West Georgia, he was the editor of the school paper and performed in numerous productions with the School of Theater. While doing his graduate studies in Theater and English at the University of Georgia, Steve performed in summer stock performances in Harrodsburg, KY in "The Legend of Daniel Boone."

He was subsequently employed by the Dalton Daily Citizen as a reporter. In 1976, he worked on the Jimmy Carter for President campaign. Steve moved to Florida in 1977 to become the managing editor of the Jackson County Floridan.

While working at the Floridan, Steve took a writing assignment covering the Bob Graham-Wayne Mixson gubernatorial campaign and, upon their election, was asked to join Lt. Governor Mixson's staff. He worked in both Graham-Mixson administrations and served as chief of staff for the Lt. Governor. Steve had a diverse career with the State of Florida, holding positions including communications director for the Florida Department of Transportation and as special assistant to Insurance Commissioners/State Treasurers Bill Gunter, Tom Gallagher and Bill Nelson. Following his career in state government, Steve joined the Tallahassee Democrat as business editor and founding editor of Business Matters magazine. Most recently, he served as editor of the Washington County News.

Steve was an active member of First Baptist Church of Tallahassee for more than 25 years. He found great joy in singing with the sanctuary choir and Praise Team. He also enjoyed teaching adult and youth Sunday school classes.

Steve was truly in his element when he was sharing his talents performing. And he entertained Tallahassee audiences through the years with his roles in numerous productions of the Entertainment Plus community musical theater group, including "Fiddler on the Roof," "Guys and Dolls," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and "South Pacific." In 1995, Steve played the lead role of Tevye in the Young Actors Theater 20th anniversary production of "Fiddler on the Roof." Never afraid of a challenge, he also performed with the Tallahassee Ballet, where his roles included the much-loved Mother Ginger in "The Nutcracker" and as one of the ugly stepsisters in "Cinderella." He also served on the board of the Tallahassee Ballet.

In addition, Steve had a strong commitment to combining volunteerism with spending time with his son Will and supporting activities that Will was involved in. Steve also volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 109; the Maclay Baseball Booster Board and the Maclay Football Booster Board. Of all of his volunteer activities, he most enjoyed serving as the announcer for the Maclay Baseball team during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Go Marauders!

Steve is survived by his beloved son Will Liner; Will's mother Becky Liner, both of Tallahassee; his brother Tom Liner (Myrna) of Albany, GA; his former mother-in-law Ann Smith and his former brother- and sister-in-law Skip and Sharon Smith, all of Tallahassee. In addition, he leaves behind his nephews Tommy Carr (Delaine) and Daniel Carr (Kim), nieces Luci Edwards (Jimmy) and Anna Farmer (Stephen), numerous great-nephews and great-nieces, cherished cousins and a very special aunt, Mozelle Payne of Chattanooga, TN.

Steve will be remembered as a loving father, a devoted brother and a caring uncle and friend to so many. He lived joyfully and with confidence in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Sue Liner and his stepfather Lester Pack.

In lieu of flowers, it was Steve's wish that contributions be made to The Liner Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 10133, Tallahassee, FL 32301.

A memorial service in celebration of Steve's life will be held on Saturday, February 11, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 108 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, FL.

The family will receive visitors in the First Baptist Welcome Center immediately following the service.