Barry attended Ohio State University and Arkansas State University in Jonesoboro, Arkansas.

He served in the United States Air Force as an enlisted member of a Titan Missile Launch Crew. He is an Honorary Commander at the Little Rock Air Force Base.

Barry has been active in his community and state for many years. He has served as Chairman of the Board for the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Central Arkansas Heart Association, twice Chairman of the building division of the Associated General Contractors of America, Arkansas Division, twelve-year member of the Apprenticeship training board for Arkansas and board member of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Central Arkansas.

He and his wife Jeanne have three children; son Jeremy, daughters Jaimie and Carrie. Barry and Jeanne have four grandchildren.

He is a lifetime member of the Catholic Church.