Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
William Barry Thrasher, age 57, of Atlanta, passed away on November 27, 2017. The son of William and Mary Thrasher, Barry was born and raised in Mableton, Georgia. After graduating from Pebblebrook High School, he pursued his love of music. Barry’s guitar playing was legendary and he played all over the world but always returned to Atlanta. Throughout the years he played with Tom Grose and The Varsity, Boss Tweed and for the past 25 years with The Mike Veal Band. He had a huge fan base and his playing and singing always drew a crowd that crossed generations.
Barry was a kind and generous soul. He had a huge passion for helping the homeless and was quick to buy a meal, empty his wallet or supply warm clothes to anyone in need. He is survived by the love of his life, Lisa Holland, siblings; Bobby Thrasher, Steve Thrasher (Marti), Barbara Carter (Alan) and several nieces and nephews.
His memorial service will take place at First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 4:00 PM, with a reception immediately following in the Family Life Center. The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 3570 Buford Hwy, #202, Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 584-0914.
Amanda Nealn says
All my love and thoughts and sympathies to you Lisa and your families 💕💕💕
Dick and Lynn Besser says
My book buddy. We will miss you pal. Dick and Lynn ..Michigan.
Kerry and Dana Marchman says
Will really miss you and your music, Barry. My condolences to Lisa and your family….
Melissa and Michael Rhine says
Too young to go. Barry was a wonderful player!
We send sympathy and condolences to his family and all who will miss him,
Melissa and Michael Rhine
Markham and Sherri White says
What a huge loss! Barry was such incredible musician and human being. We will miss him! Our condolences to his family.
Lyn Adams says
Lisa, my sincere condolences to you and Barry’s Family. I’m so very sorry that you all lost a talented wonderful person who left way too young.
Doyle Lightfoot says
Barry was a very special guy. My prayers go out to all who loved him and who he loved. He touched a lot of people.
Kenny Parks says
I will miss Barry and will always remember his wonderful spirit. The few times that we played together will always be fond memories. My condolences to Lisa and the Thrasher family…
Diana Wilson says
Lisa, I know your love for Barry was endless. My prayers and hugs for you and the Trasher family.
Lisa Cervasio says
Thoughts and prayers to the family and Lisa the love of his life. I was lucky enough to see the path of their lives grow together, through Lisa’s eyes the greatest love she’s ever known. After meeting Barry his adoration for her was apparent beaming through his eyes, his beautiful smile and his soul. These two were meant to be together forever. Sometimes only the best are taken from us so soon before we can even say goodbye. I believe it’s because their wings were ready before they were done spreading their kindness and love to those who need it the most. The best people rise above it all to serve the greater good. Rest In Peace Barry knowing you goodness and love affected many including one classy lovely lady. ❤️
Melody and Steve Antle says
Lisa, our heartfelt condolences to you and Barry’s family. Wishing you peace and healing and sending prayers and hugs.
Perry and Connie Bryant says
Connie and I send our condolences to you, Lisa, and the Thrasher family. Praying that God will wrap you all in His loving arms.
Barbara & Dave Penn says
We lost a wonderful friend but Heaven gained an amazing angel. Barry was a kind and gentle man. Loving, forgiving, and humble. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Lisa, his true love, and to his bandmates and friends and family. Till we meet again in the sweet bye and bye.
Diane Johnson says
Barry Thrasher was an amazing musician and an inspiration to anyone who watched and listened to him play and sing. He always seemed to bring fun to the stage and it was an absolute delight to watch him interact with his best friends/bandmates as they performed. I am so grateful and blessed to have known him. Peace and love be with you Barry Thrasher. Until later….
Diane Johnson says
Barry Thrasher was an amazing musician and an inspiration to anyone who watched and listened to him play and sing. He always seemed to bring fun to the stage and it was an absolute delight to watch him interact with his best friends/bandmates as they performed. I am so grateful and blessed to have known him. Peace and love be with you Barry Thrasher. Until later….
Kent Aberle says
Soul. That defined Barry. Whether you are talking about his guitar playing or as a human. Every thing was done with soul. One of the sweetest humans and best guitarists Ive ever met. The big band in the sky just got a soulful lift. Rest easy Barry. You will be missed bro.
Jody Worrell says
Barry and I have been the closest of friends since I met him in the early 80s….he will be missed every single day moving forward, and he was loved by everyone who knew him. Condolences to family and friends….he left the world a better place.
Melody Moore says
We have lost, yet another great musician! Barry was one of a kind, with that infectionous smile, and his witty sense of humor! Not to mention that he was an awesome guitar player! Lisa, Barrys family, Mike and Becky Veal, and all his friends, my prayers and thoughts are with you all! Barry, may you Rest in Peace, my dear friend! I will see you on the other side! Love you!
Margaret Emery says
Lisa you and Barry’s family are in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul! Everyone that knew Barry loved Barry. He will be missed my many. Rest in Peace
Joey Golden says
You will be missed. Love and prayers to Lisa and the family.
Kerry & Michelle Denton says
My husband Kerry and I loved Barry very much. KD loved playing with him and I always thought he was an amazing person & artist. So very sorry for your loss. Much love from the Denton’s Kerry & Michelle
Jed Fearon says
The world lost a soulful boss with a warm heart, a tremendous musical gift and an infectious sense of humor. Godspeed Barry!
Gina Watson says
Sending prayers!! RIP Barry you will be greatly missed.
Bobby and Judy Carr says
For the brief period that we knew Barry, it was obvious that he was a very kind soul and an outstanding musician. Our sympathy to Lisa and the family. R.I.P. Barry.
Rachel Harris says
My heart is sad. Rest in Peace Barry. You’ll always be remembered, never forgotten.
Dave Harris says
Barry was such a great guy to speak with, and listen to about this life’s experiences. I’ll always remember him well, as will most who have ever had the privilege of knowing him and his life. RIP Brother.
Marl Joyno says
Heard hom in Key West a few times
Always up for a chat. Great guy. RIP.
MG says
Peace, love and light. I will be there, Lisa, and he will always be with you!!! ❤
Brian Childers says
Sad to see you go, brother! Peaceful journey.
Bobby Blissitt says
Rest in peace you magnificent musician……..I moved to the mountains…..we had great times at Carlos Mcgees, Fuzzy’s . Slocums ….Chili cookoff…….and on and on…………..Wish I could have got to town in the past years………..
Butch Weaver says
I’ve known Barry for over 35 years when I used to see him play at Neons in Buckhead. Over the years we hung out and became good friends. It was such a shock to hear of his passing. He will be missed greatly. My heartfelt condolences go to Barry’s family, Lisa, Mike and everyone who knew him. RIP old friend.
Butch Weaver and Tricia
Kemper Watson says
He always had a smile on his face.. He’ll be missed more as a person than a guitarist
Chuck Cheeves says
I never met Barry but with all the comments I have read and the outpouring of Love that I have seen I feel like i knew him. He obviously was a kind man who cared deeply about his Family and his Friends. He also cared about people who were less fortunate than himself and did all he could to help them. I got to see him two Saturday nights ago in Macon at the Capitol Theater and his guitar playing was extraordinary! His talent with his instrument is legendary but the Dignity, Respect, Love and Compassion that he showed the world is his legacy. I hope one day that I will make it to Glory and be able to hear you play again. Rest In Peach Sir. 🙂
Alan White says
Not only was Barry a fine musician, he was a stellar human who left the world a better place for his presence. I, along with all my compatriots at Nemoe’s, will miss him greatly.
Marty Kennedy says
Much love to Lisa, Mike, Thrasher family, and all who will miss Barry. A fine man, musician and friend. So terribly sad. Happy trails, Barry.
Kimberly Malagon says
What a great loss. My heart is heavy. Prayers go up to Lisa and his family and all those that love him. Rest in peace my friend. ♥️
Gil Davis says
Barry was a one of a million kind of personality you always hope you will get to know in your lifetime. Talented beyond measure, he used his ability to spread joy wherever he went. He was truly a wonderful human being who will always be missed.
Denise Elliott says
My heart is broken for everyone that knew and loved you. So many memories….May God wrap your love ones in his arms of comfort…see you again…love you Barry
Johnnie Flashlite says
What a loss for the musical community in Atlanta and for entire world. What a talent. Will be missed by many, many people. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends
Gregory Gray says
Lost another beautiful soul much too soon. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Thrasher family and friends.
Roy Day says
My condolences to Lissa, Barry’s family, and the guys in the band. The world in general, and my world in particular will have less joy because Barry is gone and we’ll never see him play again. He was a good, kind soul and we will all miss him deeply in our hearts.
Bonnie L Benson says
He was so in Love with Lisa and I know this is so hard for her, the only thing that will make it easier is to know she will see him in Heaven one fine day and he will be her Angel looking down to help her
JoJo Mangione says
To Lisa, Mike and all of Barry’s family and friends- I will pray for healing and comfort and strength. Know I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Heaven has a new angel now.
Fred Syre says
I had the pleasure of being a big fan of Barry’s. I first saw him play at Fuzzy’s almost 18 years ago. After that I had a standing commitment to watch him with the MVB every chance I got. Often we would stop what we were doing (usually Dancing) to watch him play a Steely Dan or an Allman Brothers Riff, in his unforgettable way! Barry was quick with a smile and always appreciated us as fans. He gave us the last months of his life onstage, it was priceless and generous. He will be missed, loved and remembered. My condolences to all that loved him especially Lisa, Mike, the Band and his Family. Thanks Barry Thrasher, RIP!
Ari & Jack Hudnall says
Tin Roof Wednesdays will never be the same. Barry left such an impression on all of us and he will be forever missed. His kind spirit and warm smile touched us just as much as his incredible musicianship. We love you Barry!
– Ari & Jack Hudnall and the entire Tin Roof staff.
Lisa Meyer says
My prayers are with you. Hoping you find peace and comfort in the days ahead and praying God will wrap you in His arms and hold you tight. All my love.
Philip Buonpastore says
I will always remember Barry as a truly nice person as well as a phenomenal musician. I don’t know how many great evenings I had watching him play, but they were many, and they were memorable. The Mike Veal Band played at my wedding party in 2005, and made the party a truly great one, and I had the occasion to actually play music with Barry a few times over the years. A great loss for the Atlanta musical community, and for all of us who knew him. Gone way too young, but not to be forgotten.
George Sandler says
It’s been a little over two months since Barry left us. I was out of town when he passed and was unable to make it to his memorial service. Whenever I shared the stage with Barry it was evident that we were all in the presence of true greatness. We all miss not only his music, but his smile and spirit. At the Tribute to Jeff Porcaro held on Monday Feb. 26 Barry’s presence was felt in the room. He was one of the main reasons why this event was held. His passing has inspired the Atlanta Music Community to be there for each other more. You would have been proud, Barry.
We miss you. I miss you. Thanks for leaving your mark on this world. We are all better for knowing you and much less now that you are gone.
Eric Stahl says
I saw Barry for the first time with Tom Gross and the Varsity at Backtracks. What an awesome player and gentleman!!
David Dunn says
Barry…you were my childhood friend. Chip azhoys and milk all day long. I will never forget you bro! Randy and I loved you till the cows come home! You were the best with Mike Veal! Love you always!