Barry Franklin Lester, better known in recent years as "GrandBarry," passed away peacefully at home on August 5th, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Barry was born March 14, 1952, in Bluefield, West Virginia and attended Graham High School where he was class president. He later moved to Virginia, graduated from Virgina Tech in 1975 with an engineering degree, and was a die-hard Hokies fan. After working for Norfolk Southern for 32 years, he retired to Georgia.

Barry and his wife Robin have called Mountain Park, Georgia, home since 2009. Barry may best be remembered by the citizens of Mountain Park for his passionate support of the Mountain Park Volunteer Fire Rescue Department. He was on a mission to stop a referendum that would have shut down the department. Never one for modesty, he took full credit (LOL) when that referendum failed.

Barry is survived by his wife Robin, his children Eryn, Bryan, Adam and Andrew Lester, his brother Randy and sister-in-law Kim, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and three nephews. He was incredibly proud of and loved his children and family. His sons, Bryan and Andrew moved from California to be with their father during his final two years.

From Robin's side of the family, he is survived by his father-in-law Robert Montgomery, his brother-in-law Bobby Montgomery, brother-in-law Steve Montgomery and his children Marc, Hunter and Austie, stepchildren Jamie Young, David and Blake Borders, grandchildren Dylan and Luke Borders, niece and nephew Mallory and Morgan Montgomery, and many more extended family members.

Barry loved The City of Mountain Park, and considered many in the small, close-knit community to be extended family; most notably Susan Benson, Roger Pryor and Emily Myers (University of Virginia Cavaliers Hokies rival). When asked where his favorite place was during one of his last moments on the deck, he simply said, "Right here," pointing to the city, the lakes and his family.

Barry lived his life on his own terms, didn't care much what others thought of him, and to quote his brother, "was quite onery at times." Many times, to his family's chagrin, Barry was stubborn but lived and died by his principles.

Barry, more modest than he appeared, didn't want a big fuss and requested no funeral services. Instead, a small, intimate gathering will be held for immediate family.

Barry was not a fan of organized religion but expressed many times that he had an intimate relationship with God and was not afraid of death because he knew he was saved by faith in Jesus.

Barry, you will be missed, but we know that we will see you again "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" ( Ephesians 2:8 ).

With love,
Robin and Family