Barry Amos

Barry Michael Amos passed away last summer at his home in Oak Ridge North, Texas, on June 12, 2025, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. For over 14 years, he faced living with this disease with quiet strength and resilience. Barry lived a remarkable life defined by service, dedication and an enduring love for family and friends. The world is a little less kind and generous without him.

Barry was born on July, 13, 1947, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Barry’s journey began with a strong foundation in education and service. He graduated in the top 8 percent of his class from the United States Naval Academy in 1969, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He then earned his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University.

His careers reflected both his intellect and his adventurous spirit. Barry served as a Top Gun pilot during his time in the Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander over a combined 13 years of service. He didn't have aspirations to become a pilot. It was something the Navy chose for him and something he often said he "fell into". Ever modest about himself, he just happened to be an excellent pilot. Out of all of the jets he flew, flying the F-4J Phantom II was his favorite. A Vietnam veteran, he carried his commitment to excellence into his civilian life.

After leaving active duty, he joined Continental Airlines—no small feat for a fighter pilot in the 1970s—and began a long career in commercial aviation. True to his nature, Barry stayed busy and curious along the way. During a furlough, he worked maintenance at his condominium complex, spent time as a computer engineer at Hewlett Packard, and even joined the Navy Reserves in order to teach at the Naval Academy, before heading back to the cockpit. He went on to serve many years as a Captain of the MD-80 and concluded his career flying the Boeing 757/767. Originally based out of Houston for his career for many years, he became very happy to call Texas home.

Outside of flying, Barry found joy in working with his hands. He was rarely happier than when he had a project to focus on, even if that project took years… and years. He enjoyed creating custom cabinetry, designing and building an elaborate coffered ceiling for his formal living room, and finding any other excuse to remodel his homes. Whether tinkering in his garage or washing and waxing his cars—often re-waxing them for good measure—he found joy in busy work. He had a meticulous eye, and took pride in doing things well. Until Parkinson’s took its toll, he was an avid tennis player and exceptional athlete. He was humble about being able to do more pull-ups than most of the younger clients at the gym. However, all of this activity wasn’t for exercise sake alone, it enabled another great love of his life, enjoying ice cream and home cooked food.

More than anything, Barry will be remembered for who he was as a person. He was kind, easygoing, and endlessly generous. He would surprise people with thoughtful (and sometimes random) gifts for no particular reason from printer cartridges, TV’s, Costco clothing, and coffee makers. He had a great sense of humor and never took himself too seriously—he could laugh at just about anything, especially at himself. His belief in the Golden Rule guided his interactions with others, fostering friendships that transcended personal or political differences.

Barry is survived by his wife, Eliza, and their son, Alexander. From his first marriage to Patricia, he is survived by his daughter Taylor; son-in-law Charlie; and his beloved grandchildren, Max and Drew. He is also remembered with love by his sisters Sandra and Susan and sister-in-law Ida, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nadine, and his brother Bradley.

Though not particularly religious, Barry lived a life rooted in principles of kindness and respect for others—a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his warmth, humor, and the many meaningful ways he provided for his family and showed up for the people in his life.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted by Taylor and Charlie on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Spring, Texas. If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] or [email protected] for more details.