Harold Barry Tompkins

Mr. Harold Barry (“Barry”) Tompkins, 83, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2024.

Barry was born in Glenolden, PA, son of the late Harold Willers and Marion Duncan Tompkins. After graduating from Aiken High School, he attended the University of New Mexico and Clemson University. Barry retired from the Savannah River Site where he worked as a draftsman.

Over the course of ten years, Barry singlehandedly built a 28-foot sailboat, the Tiger Lady. An accomplished artist and woodworker, Barry proudly filled his home with his sculptures and handcrafted furniture. Barry was a member of the Aiken Mardi Gras and the Outing Club.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking many times on the Appalachian Trail and throughout Canada and Alaska. When he and Lily married, they enjoyed traveling together. France was a favorite destination; they honeymooned in Paris and later piloted a boat through the Canal du Midi with friends. Recent trips included exploring the western part of Costa Rica and taking trains, including the Jacobite train, throughout Scotland.

Barry is survived by his wife, Lily Grace McCullough Baumil; stepdaughter, Emily Denise Baumil, Aiken; stepson, Scott (Kari) Baumil, Marietta, GA; grandchildren, John Alan Williams, Raymond Gibbs, Sydney Baumil, and Harrison Baumil; and a sister, Beth Tompkins Bates (Tim, deceased), Burlington, VT.

A Celebration of Life for Barry will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Barry’s home and workshop, 114 Dunbarton Circle, where his sculptures and woodworking will be on display for friends to view.

Memorials may be directed to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PO Box 807, Harpers Ferry WV 25425 or philanthropy@appalachiantrail.org

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Barry’s online guest book may be signed by visiting www.shellhousefuneralhome.com