Writing an obituary for someone who was so full of life is not something anyone should have to do. An obituary is defined as a notice of death or an announcement of someone’s passing. It would be easier to simply make a few announcements of someone who lived their life full to the fullest. William Barry Whitley was a man who did just that. He lived a full life! He would be considered a young man to many. A man who left this earth too soon. Barry was a good man. He was a man who would do anything for anyone without hesitation. The look on his face rarely changed. There was almost always a smile on his face. He offered kindness to those around him.
He offered knowledgeable advice through his business, Whitley Furniture Clinic, to thousands of people between 1995 and until this last week. He had a gift in furniture restoration. Many people have a treasured piece of furniture in their home that was restored by Barry Whitley.
Barry also spent many hours working and helping make decisions in his hometown of Butler, Georgia and in the Taylor County community from 1995 until present day. He served on city council, development authority, board of health, municipal associations board of directors, and as the city mayor. He served the public well. Serving others seemed natural to him.
Barry was a true cowboy at heart. He was often seen dragging a horse arena, hauling hay to feed, or sitting in the saddle riding one of his horses. His weekends were usually spent barrel racing. In fact, he had just ridden his beloved Joanie minutes before he passed away. Barry was a servant in the horse arena as well. He taught many of his family members and others how to ride. He would often lead his grandchildren around on the newest pony that came to live within the Whitley herd. He gave countless hours to the NBHA GA 05, even serving as the director of his district for many years.
There is no doubt that Barry heard the words Matthew speaks of when Jesus says, “Well done my good and faithful servant” as Barry entered the presence of his Heavenly Father this past Saturday.
Barry graduated college from Georgia Southwestern in Americus with a business degree. He later went on to graduate from Gupton-Jones college with a degree in mortuary science. Yes, he was a mortician. It seems ironic that he sort of brought a beauty back to human beings to look their best after their passing and then began to do the same with furniture that needed restoring.
Barry’s father, Gene Howell Whitley, and Barry’s sister, Taron Whitley Bone preceded Barry in death.
Barry is survived by Cindi,his wife of over 40 years! He is also survived by his children Payton (Holly) Whitley and daughter Abby (Nathan) Poole. Barry has also left behind on this earth his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Howell, Whitley, Willa, and Elie Bell.
Barry is survived by his mother, Charlotte Whitley Dorman and her husband Terry Dorman, as well as his brother Greg (Dana) Whitley and sister, Darla Hunt. There are many others who will mourn the passing Barry as well. He had two brother in laws and two sister in laws, who were like brothers and sisters as well. Barry’s great love extends to countless nieces, nephews, and their children as well. He was loved by many. He was easy to love, and it was a blessing to be loved by him.
Barry passed away on one of the best days of his life, most likely. He spent the day at a horse show with those he loved the most, his wife, children, and grandchildren. He took his last breath in his horse trailer, shortly after his grandchildren had climbed on his belly.
The Message speaks of Philippians 3:12-14 this way, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
Barry set out the morning of Saturday, April 18 to win a barrel race. He actually did just that, even though he didn’t stick around to find out. Because you see, Barry had a bigger race that he was about to win. A race he had been running for many years. A race that holds the highest prize of all. Eternity with Jesus! What a joy to have been given the privilege to love someone so much that it hurts so much. What a greater joy, to know you will be reunited with that loved one for eternity if you are both are believers in Jesus Christ. Barry loved much, and his legacy shows that. However he loved his Savior the most, and that is the greatest gift Barry could ever give to anyone. The gift of having his family know where he is in this very moment.
His family would love for you to join them as they celebrate the life of this great man.

Visitation will be Tuesday, 1pm-2:30pm  on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church Butler, GA. The funeral service will be immediately following in the sanctuary.