Barry Smith

BARRY SMITH -

Barry Paul Smith, 50, of Columbus went to be with Jesus on Friday, Sept. 18.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Columbus, Miss.

Barry was a professor of Communication at Mississippi University for Women for 20 years, and he was chair of that department.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Smith, and their son, Matthew Smith, as well as his mother, Jean Shelnutt, his father, Jon Errol Smith and his wife Tina, and his brother Chris Smith.

Barry is preceded in death by his two brothers Joey Smith and Scott Smith.

As a father, Barry was a great role model and took seriously his pursuit of dad jokes that would make everyone else groan. He loved movies and film, and he shared that love of cinema with his family and friends. He served as a judge at last year’s Magnolia Film Festival in Starkville. Everyone who knew him was aware that science fiction was his favorite genre in both books and movies. They also knew that he loved coffee and indulged in it frequently.

As a professor at The W, Barry touched many students’ lives and took great pleasure in helping them achieve their academic and life goals. One of his greatest joys was when graduates came by the office to see him and tell him about their achievements.

He also loved Jesus and his church family, and he always placed Jesus first in his life.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo.