Rev. Barry Lynn Burris

Barry Lynn Burris, a resident of Terry, MS, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 8, 2023, after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. He was 65 years old. A visitation for friends and family will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm, both will be held at Wynndale Baptist Church, Byram, MS with the Reverend Dr. Jerry Smith officiating. The burial will be at Terry Cemetery, Terry, MS, following the funeral service.

Barry was born on March 8, 1958, in Albemarle, NC to Max and Mary June Burris. He grew up in Meridian, MS with his brother and three sisters. He attended State Boulevard Baptist Church and graduated from Meridian High School in 1977. He attended Clark College and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in music from Livingston University. He also earned a Master’s of Church Music degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. It was here that Barry met his beautiful wife of almost 40 years, Linda Carmack Burris. Eventually they were married on August 13,1983 in Vandalia, OH.

Barry faithfully ministered to churches in Ohio, Georgia, and Mississippi as minister of music for 47 years. The last 17 years he has loved serving and being part of the community at Wynndale Baptist Church in Terry, MS. Throughout his life and illness, Barry always honored God, loved people and consistently shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had a servant’s heart as evidenced by his participation in the Mississippi Singing Churchmen, directing the state hand-bell choir, and providing leadership and training for other worship leaders in Mississippi.

Barry is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Mary June Burris and his father-in-law, William Carmack.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Carmack Burris of Terry, MS; their two daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah Burris Oliver (John) of Chattanooga, TN and Rebekah Burris Parker (Shane) of Koscuisko, MS, and three grandchildren, Kinleigh Parker, Carson Parker, and Emily Oliver. He is also survived by his siblings, Sheila Garrett (Danny Ray) of Meridian, MS, Myron Burris (Laura) of Cary, NC, Tanya Wright (Rusty) of Meridian, MS, and Pamela Bice (Rodney) of Riceville,TN; his mother-in-law, Gail Dean Carmack of Vandalia, OH; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy Dooley (Ron) of Huber Heights, OH and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mississippi Singing Churchmen Scholarship Fund or the Wynndale Baptist Church Music Ministry.