Rev. Barry F. Wilson

What rejoicing there must have been in heaven, when on Wednesday afternoon, March 13, 2024, BARRY FREDERICK WILSON made his safe flight from earth below to dwell eternally with his Heavenly Father. To the family he was a faithful husband, devoted father, loving brother and dedicated grandfather. To other relatives, and all who knew him, he was a heart full of love, service and sacrifice. Born September 14, 1948, in Baltimore, MD to the late Edward C. and Carrie A. Wilson, Barry was affectionately called “Papi” by his grandchildren. Educated in the Baltimore City Public School System, he graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in June 1966. He developed a good work ethic during his childhood while helping his father on his “Arab” truck on weekends with his brothers. In addition, he and his brothers sold newspapers in the early morning hours before going to school each day. In his adult life, he worked at Bethlehem Steel Corporation, and as a salesman for a distributor. While continuing to work, he attended and graduated from Morgan State University, receiving a BA in Psychology. On August 30, 1968, he was joined in holy matrimony to the late Deborah J. Washington in a ceremony performed by his father, Rev. Edward C. Wilson. From this union they were blessed with two children, a daughter Deirdre and son Brandon. Barry entered the U.S. Army April 11, 1968, and successfully completed his Advanced Individual Training, at the U.S. Army Medical Training Center, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas August 23, 1968. He was then transferred to Vietnam as a Medical Corpsman, serving from September 17, 1968, until August 22, 1969. While serving in Vietnam, he received several medals, an Army Commendation Medal, several Republic of Vietnam Service medals and one Vietnam Gallantry Cross. However, the most prestigious was his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal w/Valor, awarded to only a very small percentage of soldiers during the Vietnam War. It’s given for heroic or meritorious achievement or service not involving participation in aerial flight. Upon returning home from Vietnam, he concluded his military service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, and he was honorably discharged April 10, 1974. Barry held several jobs during his lifetime. He was eventually employed by CSX and Amtrak from which he retired after many years of dedicated service. Being the son of a pastor, he was a part of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church all his life. He attended the Wilson family church, Waters A.M.E. in East Baltimore, and the Shiloh A.M.E. Church where his father pastored for many years. Barry heard the voice of God and accepted the call into ministry himself. He worked in and served on the ministerial staff at Shiloh A.M.E. Church. Active in his church, Barry sang on the Men’s and Unity choir. He later attended Howard University School of Theology. On June 4, 2016, he was joined in holy matrimony with his love Joan Watts, in a ceremony performed by Rev. Charlotte Clemons at Payne A.M.E. in Baltimore, MD. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed traveling to numerous places including Canada, Dominican Republic, and Florida. They would also take spontaneous adventures, hopping on Amtrak to various destinations as well as long drives on Sunday afternoons. Barry enjoyed listening to music, fishing, and working in his yard. Barry would go to Home Depot to buy one product, only to return with a truck load of items for the garden. Both Barry and Joan would spend hours sitting in the yard, admiring nature, and watching sports. Barry developed a deep and profound relationship with his “bonus daughter” Khayla. That relationship grew even stronger as Khayla assisted in caring for him in his latter years. Barry leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Joan Wilson, his daughter Deirdre Wilson and son Brandon Wilson (Lisa); bonus children, Kevyn (Cherrel), Khori, Khayla, Shavon, Justis, and Jason; grandchildren Aubrey Warren, Kyren, Mekhai and Raven Wilson; bonus grandchildren, Kaavon, Kaitlyn, Kyan, Journeé, Loyaltie, Khori Jr., two brothers Nevell and Wayne Wilson (Robin) and one sister Wanda Howard (Robert); mother-in-love, Sue Cooper; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. We are grateful to God for giving us a life that was full of love. Barry left us a legacy of many blessed and precious memories. To God, we give all the glory and honor!

Tributes

Rev. Barry F. Wilson

September 14, 1948 - March 13, 2024