Obituary of Barry Dale Gathright

Dr. Barry Dale Gathright died unexpectedly of a heart attack in Columbia, LA on January 18, 2020 at the age of 64. Barry is survived by his wife, Jamie Gathright of Branson West, MO, his children, Justin Gathright and his wife Lindsey and grandchildren Drew and Calvin of Springfield, MO; Westley Gathright and his wife Janina, of Los Angeles, CA, and Amber Gathright, of Los Angeles, CA; his siblings, Daina Gathright-Tate and husband Joe of Prairieville, LA, Kevin Gathright and wife Michelle of West Monroe, LA, and Darla Gathright-Denny and husband John of Branson, MO. He is preceded in death by his parents; Herbert Gathright and Sylvia McGuffee-Gathright. Barry was born on August 28, 1955 in Columbia, LA to Herbert and Sylvia Gathright. He graduated from Columbia High School, Columbia, LA in 1973, continued on to graduate from Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA in 1976 with a degree in pre-dentistry, and then finished his schooling at Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX in 1979 with his doctorate in dentistry. He then met and married the love of his life, Jamie McEachern, in Baton Rouge, LA in 1981. Barry worked as a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA for 15 years before retiring early and moving to Branson West, MO in 1994. His children will forever remember him as a wonderful, loving father who always encouraged them to pursue their passions and taught them not only how to be good, but to excel. Barry was an honorable, trustworthy man who was hardworking and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was also passionate about teaching others what he knew. He loved music, science and mathematics, waking up early to see the sunrise, and taking time to watch a beautiful sunset. He was the ultimate outdoorsman, frequently going hunting, fishing, stargazing through his telescope, and taking in the world through photography. He was accomplished in dentistry, carpentry, and pretty much anything else that he desired to do. Suffice it to say, he knew a little something about almost everything. He was an active and dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Kimberling City, MO, where he sang in the choir and often volunteered on construction focused mission trips. He spread love, laughter, and knowledge to every person along his path. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Sandy Bayou Baptist Church at 2:00 pm with visitation prior at 12:00 pm. Brother Larry Russell will officiate the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Barry’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sandy Bayou Baptist Church, 4803 LA-559, Columbia, LA 71418. Condolences can be sent to Riser and Son Funeral Home, Columbia, LA.