Barry Lynn Proctor

Barry Lynn Proctor (68) passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of June 12, 2019. 

Barry was born on May 15, 1951, to Richard and Evelyn (Pat) Proctor in Roanoke, Virginia.

The world was immediately a better place. As a man with unshakeable moral and ethical integrity, he was a voice of the voiceless, a friend to every stranger on the street, an advocate for the less fortunate, a lover of puns and bad jokes, and a relentless defender of justice, compassion, patience, civility, care for the earth, and love.

A consummate learner with legal pad in hand, he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in 1973 and University of Richmond’s T.C. Williams School of Law in 1976. He met Anne, his wife of 38 years, as he toured the country’s National Parks in a Volkswagen van, before crossing the continental US on bicycle. After they married, they moved to Abingdon, Virginia, to take a job at Southwest Virginia Legal Aid. He later went into private practice with a passion to serve the disenfranchised and underrepresented. They raised their five children with love and, by being in two places at once, made it a priortity to attend every church service, choir/orchestra practice, soccer game, cross country race, karate meet, ballet recital, youth group trip, and scout meeting. His faith in God was the bedrock of all he did. He served the church as Council President at St. John Lutheran Church and Redeemer Lutheran Church, as well as on the Council of the Virginia Synod of the ELCA. Despite his best efforts, he never quite found his perfect pitch. Barry also served proudly as a board member of the Washington County Habitat for Humanity and Hungry Mother Lutheran Retreat Center. As an Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troup 222, he was the infamous “Voice of the Eagle” at eagle scout ceremonies and gave the “Scout Master’s Minute” to close each weekly meeting for over twenty years. His last act was the capstone of a life of selfless service: he and his son Nick biked 569 miles across the Commonwealth of Virginia with Bike the US for MS, fundraising over $3,000 for people living with multiple sclerosis.  

Daddio, Popparino, PopPop, Bar leaves behind his beloved Anne Elizabeth Pratt-Proctor and their five children, Cathryn (Jonathan Costa), Kristopher, Nicholaus, Victoria (Joseph Dahl), and Mary Cathryn; grandsons James and Luke Costa; brother Cary Proctor (Donna); nephews Clay (Larissa) and Clinton Proctor; our dear Winships; and numerous other friends, relatives and dearly loved “in-laws”.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon.

  A worship service and celebration of life will be held Sunday, June 16 at 4pm at State Street United Methodist in Bristol, Virginia. All current and former scouts in attendance are encouraged to wear their class A uniform. The family will receive friends before the service from 2pm-3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Boy Scouts of America, Bike the US for MS, Habitat for Humanity, Faith in Action or another charity of your choice. Cards with memorable stories can be mailed to 117 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA, 24210.  

Those wishing to share memories or express messages of sympathy may do so online by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA is serving the family of Mr. Barry Proctor. (276)623-2700