Kenneth "Barry" Barrett Simmons

On August 19, 2026, at just 45 years old, Kenneth Barrett Simmons (Barry) left this life and entered into the presence of Jesus. He was born on October 6, 1980, in Beaufort, South Carolina, and spent his earliest years near Hilton Head. His family later moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he graduated from Augusta Christian School. Georgia remained an important part of Barry's life—woven into his memories, his friendships, and his love of the Georgia Bulldogs.

Barry shared 18 years of marriage with his wife Lauren and his greatest role was being Dad to his two boys, Reid (11) and Grant (8). He was the beloved son of Nancy and Brooks, son-in-law to Mike and Pat Homeyer, brother to Kelsey Grahmann and her husband, Greg, and Anna Leigh Emerson and her husband, Seth, and brother-in-law to Ryan Homeyer and his wife Sarah. He was the fun uncle—a title he wore well—to Hannah, Madeline, Olivia, Brooks, and Luke. And then there were his lifelong friends (who were more like family)—his Georgia ride-or-die friendships that survived years, miles, different seasons of life and more stories than could be or should be shared here. To Barry, being a husband and father was his greatest joy and his greatest calling. His boys were his world. He took them everywhere, turning ordinary errands into adventures and making sure they were included in whatever he was doing. He loved watching Reid play baseball and Grant play—well, just about anything and everything, making them laugh, and creating memories they will carry with them forever.

Barry’s faith in Jesus was at the center of his life. He loved his Lord deeply, and his salvation was one of his greatest accomplishments and the source of his hope. During times of trial, Barry leaned on the promises of his life verse, Isaiah 41:10, a verse that reminded him that he was never alone and that God would give him strength when he needed it most. That promise became a steady source of comfort and courage throughout his life and is now a source of comfort to the family who loves and misses him.

Barry was incredibly talented on the golf course, a gift he inherited from his father, Brooks. He spent much of his professional life in the golf industry, but some of his most meaningful work was done at home as a devoted stay-at-home dad. He was happiest when he was with his family. If you knew Barry, you knew that he loved big. He loved his family fiercely, his lifelong friends loyally, and enjoyed many things with enthusiasm that made Barry uniquely Barry—his love for animals (especially his dogs), Celine Dion and Jon Secada, inside jokes, scratch off lottery tickets, a good outfit (including accessories), random collections that changed with different phases of his life, and living life on his own schedule—including his middle of the night snacking ability.

Barry leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by accomplishments or titles. It is found in the laughter of his boys, the love he shared with Lauren, the faith he passed on to his family, the friendships he treasured, and the countless memories he helped create. Barry was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a golfer, a Bulldog, an adopted Aggie—and, above all, a man who loved his family and his Savior with his whole heart.

His life was deeply loved, and his absence will be deeply felt. But his family finds comfort in the truth he held most dear, that this life was not the end. Barry loved Jesus, trusted in His promise of salvation, and held tightly to the hope of eternity. Because of that faith, his family grieves with hope, looking forward to the day when they will see him again.

He will be loved forever, missed every day, and never forgotten.

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”