On September 15, 2023, Barry S. Gay, Jr., left behind this sinful, fallen, broken world and diseased body. Barry went home to Heaven into the loving arms of his Savior.

Barry is survived by his two sons and their wives, Justin (Havilah) and Jason (Riria), who brought an immense amount of joy to his life. His love for his family extended beyond his immediate children, to his wonderful grandchildren, Joshua, Haley, and Ellie Gay, who were rays of sunshine in his life. Barry was a beloved oldest brother, who will also be remembered by his siblings, Barb, Bonnie, Bill (Kathy), and Brian. He is also survived by Debi Gay, the mother of his children, for whom he held great affection and mutual respect. Barry is also survived by many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and many church family and friends.

Barry was looking forward to being reunited, in Heaven, with those who preceded him in death. Those who went before included his grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and his beautiful niece, Katie.

Born in Cincinnati, OH on May 6, 1958, to Barry and Josephine "Bea” Gay, Barry was the oldest of five children, He was both a Boy Scout and involved with 4-H. As a young boy, Barry's family moved to Florida and that is where he developed his lifelong obsession for tropical storms and hurricanes. In high school, Barry had the opportunity to go to Europe with his church choir, a trip he later in life said was one of his most favorite.

As a young man, Barry and his family came back to the Cincinnati area, where he met Debi Cochran at First Baptist of Milford while singing in the choir. They were married in the summer of 1980. One year later a bubbly baby boy, Justin, joined them. A year after that, Jason, another sweet baby boy, joined and completed their family. Barry and Debi raised the boys in Norwood, where Barry faithfully attended all the boy's baseball games, track and field events, and football games. Barry was a very proud father and loved watching his boys grow into men.

In 2003, Barry became a grandfather. This was by far, one of his most favorite titles in life. Joshua, Haley, and Ellie were all spoiled and doted on by their Poppy/Grampa. They know they were deeply loved by him, and they deeply loved him in return. As a doting father and grandfather, nothing brought him more joy than spending quality time with his family.

Barry enjoyed many vacations over the years with his family to Texas, Florida, Canada, and Gatlinburg, TN. Barry enjoyed attending many festivals with his family and friends over the years including; Taste of Blue Ash, Taste of Cincinnati, Oktober Fest, Ohio Renaissance Festival, Italian Fest, Goetta Fest, and St. Rita's Festival. With family and friends, Barry loved going to haunted houses, Kings Island, Christmas Light Displays, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and many other musical concerts.

Barry was an electrician by trade, first working for Beacon Electric and then joining IBEW Local 212, where he retired in 2016. During his career, he was able to work on some iconic buildings in the Cincinnati area including the Horseshoe Casino, Paul Brown (Paycor) Stadium, Christ Hospital, and Goshen Fire Department to name a few.

Known for his adventurous spirit, Barry enjoyed the mountains, the forests, and the ocean. He greatly enjoyed fishing, frisbee golf, bonfires, fireworks, and firing ranges. As a Cincinnati native, Barry loved his sports teams. He proudly cheered for and attended many games of the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, U.C. Bearcats, Cincinnati Cyclones, F.C. Cincinnati, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ohio State University. Barry was a die-hard NASCAR fan and NHRA drag racing fan. Many fun memories were made over the years at the drag races in Columbus, Edgewater, and Kentucky Speedway races. Barry even made his own salsa that he sold and bartered with. Later in life, while not social media or tech-savvy, Barry began playing Words with Friends and made some lasting friendships through playing.

Barry enjoyed collecting many things. He loved pewter pieces of knights, dragons, wizards, fairies, and castles. He acquired many hats, collectible steins, and Thomas Kinkade photos.

The most important decision Barry ever made was to place his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Over the years, Barry was a member of First Baptist of Milford, Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, and in his final years, Landmark Church. Barry was very blessed by his church family. He enjoyed playing a Pharisee in the production of "Once and For All”, working on sets of the play, and even working security for events and church services. Barry was active in his Sunday School class and was blessed by their fellowship.

As we say our final goodbyes, we find great hope in the promise of Heaven. Our beloved father and grandfather is no longer suffering from the pain of cancer and disease. Barry is fully healed and worshipping at the feet of his Jesus and that brings comfort and peace to our hurting hearts.

A funeral service to celebrate and remember Barry's remarkable life will be held on September 22, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the Landmark Church 1600 Glendale Milford Rd #1231, Cincinnati, OH 45215, with interment at Landmark Memorial Gardens. The family will receive condolences from 11 AM-1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made towards assisting the family in covering Barry's funeral expenses or to Wigs For Kids. Over the years, Barry grew out his hair many times and donated to cancer patients.

(www.wigsforkids.org/monetary-…  

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