Barry R. Smith

In Cherished Memory of
Barry R. Smith
1956 -2020

Barry Richard Smith, age 63, went to be with the Lord on June 28, 2020 after a short illness.
Barry was born in Charleston, South Carolina to Louis and Loretta Smith. He attended schools in Charleston and graduated from Burke High School in 1975. He later went on to obtain a BA in Psychology from Ashford University in 2010.
Barry joined the U.S. Army in 1976 and honorably served for nearly 15 years. Barry received awards such as the Army Commendation medal and the Army Achievement medal amongst other awards. While in the Army, Barry served in South Korea, Greece, Hungary, Germany, New York, and Kansas.
Barry eventually settled in Junction City, Kansas and worked for the school district 475 for several years. Barry eventually left the school district in order to help start and develop the program for the group home Positive Strokes for Youth/New Directions Youth Residential Program alongside his late wife, LaVerne Grant-Smith. Barry eventually made his way to becoming the Program Administrator. Barry had a passion for working with youth and helping them realize their potential and identifying and providing the tools for the youth to succeed. Barry received numerous awards from the community and from children's agencies throughout the state. Barry retired from New Directions in 2017 after working there for 20 years, after which, he relocated to South Carolina and took a job position at the VA hospital in Charleston, SC.
Barry loved the Lord and church was very important to Barry as was his relationship with God who was the center of his life. Barry and his late wife were founding members of The New Church of the Living God where he was an active in the church choir and especially in the men's choir where he is known for his distinctive baritone voice and energy.
Barry joined LaVerne Grant-Smith in marriage on August 11, 1997 in Junction City, KS. They shared 16 years loving years of marriage before her death in 2013,
Barry leaves behind a legacy of strength, perseverance, tenacity and humor. He will be cherished by his children Summer (Chad) Bennett, Autumn Fort, Jarrod Smith, and Jordan Smith Sr. Grandchildren: Keyshawn Bentley, Noah Bennett, Gabriel Bennett, Jordan Smith Jr and Amelia Kelani Smith. Two siblings; David Smith and Daria Smith-Wright (Bernard) of Charleston, SC. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Debra A. Smith of Junction City, KS, Linda (George) Rogers of Waldorf, MD, Lorraine (Roger) Hammond of Junction City, and brother-In-law: Robert Grant Jr of Springfield, MO.
Barry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 16 years LaVerne Grant-Smith; his parents, Louis and Loretta Smith; and brother, Gary L. Smith and his Uncle Robert Gathers. As well as mother and father in law; Robert Sr. and Helga Grant.
The Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11:30 a.m. on August 29, 2020 at The New Church of the Living God with the Bishop James E. Johnson officiating. The church is located at 1315 Ash St., Junction City, KS 66441.
Face masks and social distancing will be required for all in attendance.
Memorial contributions and flowers may be sent c/o Johnson Funeral home: 203 N. Washington St, Junction City, KS 66441

**To leave a special online message for the family, press the "share" tab above.**