Barry R. Thompson

Barry Ross Thompson entered this life on October 3, 1969 and was a joy to his parents, Paris W. and Janice C. Greene. His immortal soul returned to God on June 14, 2005 after a lengthy illness resulting from his service as a United States Marine during the Persian Gulf War, Desert Storm. Barry gave his life to Christ at an early age. He received his Sacraments at the New All Saints Catholic Church and later attended Truth and Love Lighthouse International Church. Barry loved the Word of God and spent countless hours reading and studying Sacred Scripture. In 1993 Barry preached his initial sermon and received his Minister's License while living in Jacksonville, Florida. Barry was educated in Baltimore County Schools and graduated from Milford Mill High in 1988. After attending Catonsville Community College Barry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1989 until 1992. He was a machine gunner and weapons specialist and attained the rank of Lance Corporal. Before his Honorable Discharge for medical reasons Barry received the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Like his older brother Calvin who preceded him in death in 2002 Barry was a computer "Wiz" who taught himself several computer programming languages. Determined to keep active he started an Internet business, Barry's Gift Box, and would distribute catalogs to the nurses during his many visits to the Veterans Administration Medical Center where he became somewhat of a legend. Barry would often minister to patients in the VA while a patient himself. Barry was a true fighter who never let himself be defined by his sickness. Everyone who knew him admired him for his faith, courage and strength; he never complained. Barry's affliction was his ministry because God knew Barry's Spirit was strong enough to handle it and glorify God through it. Barry leaves to cherish his memory: his loving parents, Paris and Janice Greene; his devoted younger brother, Aaron; three uncles, five aunts, fourteen cousins, his caretakers at the VA Medical Center; and a host of relatives, church members and friends.

Tributes

Barry R. Thompson

October 3, 1969 - June 14, 2005