This week, Henry County lost a dedicated public servant and lifelong community member. County Commissioner Gary Barham passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, after several weeks battling COVID-19. He represented district III on the county commission from January 2013 up until his death.
The funeral will be on Sunday, March 7, at Ola High School football stadium starting at 2 pm. The address is 357 North Ola Road, McDonough, GA. Because of COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required.
Before the funeral, there will be a procession through the McDonough Square. Those wishing to pay their respects by lining the procession may line the square before 1 pm. The procession will drive around the McDonough Square at approximately 1 pm.
Visitation
The family will accept visitors on Saturday, March 6, at North Ola Park fields 13 and 14. The address is 354 North Ola Road, McDonough, GA.
Visitation will be between 10 am – 12 noon, and 2 pm – 4 pm. Visitation will close between 12 noon and 2 pm.
Remembering Gary Barham
Gary Barham attended Retro Church with his wife and family. He grew up in McDonough and graduated from Henry County High School. Gary retired from the city of McDonough after 31 years of public service, retiring as Director of Public Works. He received numerous recognitions during his tenure with the city and was also awarded the “Character First†award. In addition, Gary was a McDonough Volunteer Fireman for several years. He was a chairman of the Parks and Beautification Committee of McDonough.
Gary served on the Committee for the Olympic Torch Relay, the Paralympics Torch Relay, and participated in the annual Mayor’s Motorcade, taking Christmas gifts to Milledgeville Central State Hospital each year. He was responsible for bringing the first Veteran’s Day Program to the McDonough Square. He was the Henry County Fair Chairman, Vice President of the McDonough Kiwanis Club, a member of First Families of Henry County, and a member of the Henry County Moose Lodge.
Little League Coach & Umpire
Commissioner Barham had a passion for youth sports and Little League, whether watching his kids and grandkids participate in sports or advancing opportunities for all Henry County youth to play. He led the effort to expand North Ola Park and add a 14u ball field opening in fall 2019.
Gary became involved in the Henry County Booster Club as a coach. He was Vice President of the McDonough Youth Association., Vice President and President of the South Metro Umpire Association and umpired the first Roberto Clemente World Series held in McDonough. Gary was an inductee into the Henry County Recreational Hall of Fame for outstanding work with Henry County youth. He was an avid Georgia Tech and Braves fan.
Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He is survived by his wife, Becky Barham; son, Adam & Pam and grandchildren, Jackson and Ella; son, Josh & Kristin and grandchildren, Austin, Brady and Clayton; brother, Richard & Shirley Barham; sister, Helen Barham Busbin; and several nieces and nephews.
Portions of the obituary copied from Cannon Cleveland Funerals website. Credit for the featured image to a special photo of Commissioner Gary Barham cutting the ribbon at North Ola Park expansion.
