Barry’s early years were shaped by profound loss. His mother, Sue Barry Lynch, died when he was an infant. Over the next decade, he also lost his father Fred Dexter Lynch, Jr., grandfather, and brothers. Despite these hardships, Barry was supported by loving surrogate parents, including his stepmother Mary Whip Lynch, his uncle Walter Kaylor, and father-in-law Robert Turner.

He graduated from North Fulton High School in Atlanta in 1951 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1955, and in 1975 an Executive Banking Certificate from Rutgers University Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Barry began his professional career with IBM before serving on active duty in the United States Air Force. He earned his wings as a jet pilot and flew multiple aircraft, including the F-86D. After completing his military service, he returned to IBM and later built an accomplished career in technology and banking. His work spanned IBM, Hughes Tool Company, Bell Helicopter, Texas Commerce Bank, MBank, MTech, and international consulting roles, including senior leadership with the Gulf Bank of Kuwait and advisory work in Saudi Arabia. He was known for designing and managing complex, often classified, information systems and operations.

He enjoyed sharing stories from his life and travels, was

an avid reader and history buff, and loved playing golf with his sons and friends. While still in high school, he competed in an international shooting competition in Havana, Cuba. In college, he sang in barbershop quartets and enjoyed singing in church choirs throughout his life. Barry was also an accomplished chess player and December 31, 2025

once faced Bobby Fischer in an exhibition match. He was a worldwide traveler who visited all seven continents, more than seventy-five countries, and all fifty states.

Barry’s love and devotion to his family were unwavering. He was preceded in death by his wives, Marion Smith Lynch (2001) and Belle Turner Lynch (2021). He was deeply loved by his children and their spouses Linda Ware and her late husband Reuben, Robert Lynch and his late wife Beth, David Lynch, Michael Lynch and his wife Nicole, Laura Stephenson and her husband Randy, Walter Lynch and his wife Emily; and his stepdaughters, Catherine Bierman and Virginia Bennett.

He is affectionately known as PaPaw by his grandchildren, Devin Hawk and his wife Dana, Jarrett Lynch, Matthew Lynch, Noah Lynch, Mason Lynch, Abby Lynch, Owen Lynch, Mikaeyla Stephenson, and River Stephenson; and his great-grandchildren, Jackson Hawk, Austin Hawk, and Sage Stephenson.

Barry Dexter Lynch lived by two guiding principles: to tell the truth to the best that you know it, and to follow through with your commitments. He lived with an understanding that his life was a gift from God, one to be cherished, stewarded, and shared with others. His life story is one of perseverance, thoughtful planning, and steadfast integrity, leaving a legacy that continues through the generations of his beloved family.

A memorial service celebrating Barry’s life will be held at Hope Church Union Hill, 4250 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Alpharetta, GA, 30005 on Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 in the afternoon.