Barry is shown in this 1996 photo dealing blackjack, which he frequently volunteered to do, during Cab’s annual Casino Night.
Ralph's remembrances of Barry
I'll be writing/posting my "Barry Stories" over the next few weeks as I have time, so stay tuned. I have lots of them!
Want to listen to my last recording of Barry? (Its just his voice mail greeting)
This article was originally written by Miranda Bennett of "The Sting"
The late Dr. Barry Flannery, associate professor in the Mathematics Department, was remembered fondly last Thursday. Family, friends, students, and colleagues gathered in the Library Rotunda for a memorial that inspired laughs, sobs, and moments of quiet contemplation.
Dr. Flannery had passed away on January 16th following liver failure. A private family gathering was held that weekend, but no funeral, as the late Flannery had requested cremation.
“I am so richly blessed by the presence of all or you here today and the expression of affection for a man I got to call beloved,” said Michele Flannery, Dr. Flannery’s widow. Mrs. Flannery shared stories of their life and love, poignant moments, unique memories.
She told of a trip to the local animal shelter, where Dr. Flannery demanded to know which dog was next to be put to sleep. That day, Dr. Flannery adopted four dogs to add to the four dogs that already shared his home. She told of her continued desire to buy gifts for her late husband every time she goes shopping, admitting that during their marriage she fed his eccentricities.
“He overcame a lot to tell me that he wanted to love me for the rest of my life,” said Mrs. Flannery, who asserted that she was prompted by God to love her late husband. She shared the beginnings of their union – a four hour conversation between herself and the man she described as a “bachelor for life.” She described looking into his eyes and seeing a heart bigger than any she had ever seen before, summing up - “it shone in him.”
The subject of Flannery’s notoriously messy office was mentioned by more than one speaker - each reference drawing laughter. “He was always immersed in his subject, both mentally and physically,” said The Sting’s Editor Emeritus, Zachary Jones, in an email read by Dr. Joel Fowler, director of the Mathematics Department. Fowler echoed that sentiment saying, “We’ll even miss the interior of his office, which never failed to startle.”
Director of Humanities and Technical Communications Dr. Mark Stevens gave Dr. Flannery credit for making him a better teacher, saying that the late professor had taught him the value of an open door policy with students.
Dr. Jack Pace, an associate professor in the Mathematics Department recalled humorous dialogues with his late colleague. “We would talk about the strange behavior of our students and even stranger behavior of some administrators,” he said.
Dean of Students Barry Birckhead recalled his and the late Dr. Flannery’s mutual enjoyment at yelling “Hey Barry,” to one another in passing. Birckhead noted the genuine interest for student needs that the late professor had evidenced throughout his service on the Student Life Committee.
Former WGHR Manager Dustin Grau recalled his discovery that Dr. Flannery worked as a DJ at GA Tech and SPSU. Grau reminisced about Flannery’s joking nature coming through on his show, Professor Guy. “He always seemed to enjoy himself at WGHR—it was his ‘excuse to keep his music collection organized,’” said Grau.
Speakers and comments were abundant- colleagues, students, neighbors, even a student from Reinhart College attended the memorial to depict Flannery’s impact as an adjunct professor. Fowler even read student comments from teacher evaluations that spoke to the professor’s dedication to student learning.
“I waited 45 years to find the right man…then I met this incredible human being….Barry became my best friend, my favorite companion, my lover, my husband, my teacher…” Michele Flannery asserted in closing to a captivated audience.
A course may pass away with the late Dr. Flannery – Society and Statistics. According to Associate Professor Julie Newell, Dr. Flannery had initiated the class and offered it every summer.
Dr. Barry Flannery, a native of Cobb County, came to SPSU in the fall of 1991. He taught Probability and Statistics, Calculus, Trigonometry, Algebra, and Statistics and Society. In addition to his teaching duties, he served as the faculty advisor for WGHR and acted as a DJ for the station. He volunteered yearly as a dealer during Cab Casino Night, and worked the concession stand at Hornet Games. According to Director Fowler, Flannery worked on the faculty development program at GA Tech during the 1999/2000 academic year.
Dr. Flannery earned his Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Georgia State University in 1977. He earned his Masters in Statistics from UC Berkley in 1981, where he went on to earn his Ph.D. in Statistics in 1986.
Michele Flannery asked that donations be made to the Bartow County Animal Shelter in lieu of flowers. Bartow County Animal Shelter is located at 1410 Burnt Hickory Rd SW, Cartersville, GA 30120. The shelter’s phone number is 770-387-5153 and their contact email is gentryt@bartowga.org.
According to Fowler, the Dr. Barry Flannery Memorial Fund has been established by the Foundation. For more information about the fund, such as how to contribute, contact Ann Watson, director of Marketing & Public Relations at 770-528-7340 or at awatson@spsu.edu.