Barry G. King

1935 - 2021

Barry G. King

Heaven's collective intelligence increased dramatically with the passing of Barry G. King on 19 September, 2021 after a brief hospital stay.

Barry will always be remembered as a fierce Christian, a loving husband, a patient father, a joyful grandfather, a stellar professor, an unquenchable student of knowledge, an awesome coach, and someone who loved to travel and experience new people and cultures.

Barry was born in Texarkana, Arkansas in May 1935, the eldest son of Lucien and Mabel King. Barry's brothers include Jerry and Donny King. He attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX and earned his B.B.A in Accounting and his M.A. in Economics. It was during this time where he met Phyllis Jeffries who later became his bride in June 1961. They moved to study and teach at Ohio State University where he earned his Ph D. in Accounting and where their eldest son, Kyle, was born. Subsequently, they moved to Oklahoma where Barry was also studying and teaching at Oklahoma State University and where they welcomed the arrival of their second son, Kevin. Lastly, Barry moved the family to Houston where he studied at the University of Houston and their daughter, Sharon, was born completing their family. In 1970 the King family moved to Denton, TX to settle down and Barry began teaching Accounting and Business as a professor at the University of North Texas before eventually chairing the department for a season.

While he loved teaching, it was always a tool to offer the family a chance to experience other parts of the country and the world. He would often take summer teaching positions in locations such as Minnesota, California and along the East Coast so his family could vacation cross country together. After retiring from the University of North Texas in the early 1990s, he continued to pursue opportunities that combined his ability to teach along with his love of travel. This led him to teaching in the overseas programs of Boston University in Europe and in Asia with the University of Dubuque and Armstrong University. He ultimately taught through the University of Maryland in Korea, Japan, Germany, England, Spain, Iceland, Bahrain, Uruguay and Guam.

Barry was known for his awareness of the world and had a reputation for details and being a master of trivia, especially on the topics of Geography and History. Barry's three children recall their dad always being available and involved with their activities as they grew up for which they are eternally grateful. His eleven grandchildren referred to him as "GranBear" and he had no bigger joy than being involved in their lives and staying connected with them. As family has gathered to remember and celebrate Barry's life everyone has agreed that Barry lived life to the fullest and with zero regrets. He ran the race with a passion, grace and kindness that isn't often found and is now enjoying his just rewards. To God be the glory for the ability of his family to celebrate a life well lived and rest in the knowledge that Barry has entered eternity in the presence of his Creator and heard the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"

The family will announce forthcoming plans for a memorial service in the coming weeks to celebrate the life of Barry G. King.