William Barron Mathers, Jr.

November 10, 1953 - February 20, 2023. William Barron "Barry" Mathers, Jr, a lifelong resident
of Mobile, AL, passed away after a short illness. He was 69 years old. Barry was preceded in
death by his parents, Mary B "Bebe" Brown Mathers and William Barron Mathers Sr. He leaves
to cherish his memory his sisters, Diane Mathers Green of Theodore, AL and Linda Mathers
Cross (Stephen) of Las Vegas, NV; niece April Cross Masson (Peter), great nephew Ewan
Masson, great neice Isla Masson, all of Ayr, Scotland; niece Sherry Lynn Morrison (Eric),
nephews Jonathan Morrison, Stephen Morrison and Jared Morrison, all of Spanish Fort, AL; ;
his aunt, Norma Mathers Hawkins of Pensacola; first cousins Mary Beth Mantiply, Chester
Mathers, David Mathers, Charles "Chuck" Mathers, Pamela Mathers McGhee, Dwayne
Mathers, Robert "Bobby" Mathers, Ricky Hawkins and Paul Hawkins; and other cousins and
relatives. We also include his lifelong friends of 50+ years, Bradley and Roseann Wells.
Barry graduated from the University of South Alabama while simultaneously working for
International Paper Company. The company closed down during his 17th year of employment.
He was most proud of the severance package he negotiated as union steward. He was
determined to get what the workers deserved after their long years of dedicated service.
Barry then applied for a position at a new plant to be opened in Mobile - Aker Kvaerner. He was
the second person in the history of the company to make a perfect score on their placement test
(he was definitely the smartest one in our family!). The company later split, and became Aker
Solutions. His last position was Lead QC/MC Inspector. He retired in April of 2021, after 15
years of service.
He was looking forward to traveling in his retirement years. He was able to take a train trip from
Denver, Colorado to Los Angeles. His sister, Linda and brother-in-law joined him for part of the
trip. He also spent vacation time with Linda and Steve in Zion Park, Utah, San Diego CA and
Tijuana, Mexico. Sadly his trip to Chicago, IL this May was not to be.
Barry taught himself to play the guitar when he was twelve years old. He continued his lifelong
love of music, playing several types of guitars, keyboard, and singing. He also loved hanging
out with his friends at Patches. Barry always credited his mother for instilling in him a love of
music, Mardi Gras and the beach.
And, of course, he never missed an Alabama Crimson Tide football game! His sisters chose the
UA design casket in remembrance of his love of the team.
His family and friends will miss his debates on life, politics and culture, his contagious laugh and
his loving spirit.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 4 to 5 pm for family only, and from 5 - 8
pm for friends, at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10 am,
Friday, March 3, 2023, followed by internment at Magnolia Cemetery on Virginia St. Pallbearers
are Dennis Fobes, Patrick Fobes, Phillip Brown, Ryan Burroughs, Randy Capps, and
FrankCobb. Honorary pallbearers are Stephen Cross, Michael Fobes, Bradley Wells, Chester
Mathers, Ricky Hawkins and Paul Hawkins..