Barry Franklin Whitten, 54, of Hamlin, WV, was born on April 17, 1969. He went to his heavenly home on November 6, 2023, after losing his long battle with cancer. He attended Open Door Church.
Barry was married to the love of his life, Lori Whitten, his devoted wife of 35 years, whom he met in kindergarten at Woodville Elementary School. They were high school sweethearts and a true picture of enduring love that everyone admired. They married on December 8, 1987. They had a connection like no other that was shown through their unwavering commitment to one another. Barry and Lori shared lifelong memories with one another through spending quality time with their family and supporting one another through life’s struggles. Life wasn’t always easy, but they overcame each battle together with each other’s love and support. Together, they have two children, Zachary Whitten and Dakota Whitten. He thought the world of his two daughters-in-law, Brooke and Brittany. He considered them his daughters.
Zack and Cody were his two very best friends. He enjoyed spending time with his boys. He spent countless hours with his hunting buddy, Zack, and many days on the water with his fishing buddy, Cody. He treasured his family and was devoted to being a husband, father, and papaw. They shared many special moments together.
Barry was a proud papaw to Harper, Colt, Cruz, and Kyn. He spent quality time shopping and hunting with his favorite girl Harper, his finest fishing buddy Colt, and his little hunting buddy Cruz. They always put a smile on his face and in their eyes, there was no one better than Papaw. They were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
Barry was a 1987 graduate of Duval High School. He worked for 23 years at Tri-State Roofing-Sheet Metal in Charleston, WV. He started in 2000 and worked his way straight to the top. He was named Superintendent in 2008. He was a selfless leader who valued each team member and loved his work family. He was a hard worker and took pride in his job.
Barry is preceded in death by his father Barry Lewis Whitten, his paternal grandparents Kenneth and Hazel Whitten, his maternal grandparents Don and Juanita Huffman, and his father-in-law, Wayne Roberts.
He is survived by his wife Lori Whitten, two sons, Zachary Whitten (Brooke) and Dakota Whitten (Brittany), four grandchildren Harper, Colt, Cruz, Kyn, mother Kay Davidson, his two sisters Leah Whitten and Deah Allen, mother-in-law Helen Roberts, brother-in-law Randy Roberts, Jerry Roberts (Tina), and sister-in-law Lisa Workman (Kevin). Andy and Becky McClure held a special place in his heart, they were like parents to him. Doug and Stacey Keaton, dependable long-term friends, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family.
He was truly one of a kind who had the best sense of humor and brought laughter through his storytelling and jokes. He was such a special person who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He will forever be remembered in our hearts.
Services to celebrate Barry’s life will take place at 12:00 pm, Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV with Pastors Andy Gillenwater, Robert McCallister, and Kevin Workman officiating. Burial will follow at Whitten Family Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm, Friday, November 10, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home.
Lori I’m so sorry to hear about Barry you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.