Bob Barry Jr.

Bob Barry, Jr. – Oklahoma's well-known and much beloved TV and radio sports personality passed away on June 20, 2015, around 4PM after being involved in a fatal motorcycle accident in Oklahoma City. An Oklahoma sports icon for years, Bob Jr. followed in the footsteps of his late father, Bob Barry, Sr., who passed away nearly four years ago. On Friday, June 19th during his last radio show on WWLS in Oklahoma City with his sidekick Pat Jones – Bobby rekindled the days of watching the U.S. Open with his dad on Father's Day as one of his lasting memories. As God would have it, Bobby once again was able to spend Father's Day with Bob Sr. Robert Bonnin Barry was born in Norman, Oklahoma, to Bob and Joan Barry on December 21, 1956. Bobby was the younger of two children, and he had a very close relationship with his older brother, Frank. A talented lefty, Bobby loved playing all sports, but his favorite season was spent on the basketball court. During his time at Norman High School, he attended the prestigious Jim King Basketball Camp in Mannford, Oklahoma, – and upon graduation was asked to return to camp as a coach and camp counselor. Many years later as a professional, he traveled around the state of Oklahoma playing with the Channel 4 Foul Shots Basketball Team, which he founded. He never turned down a request to play, no matter the destination because he knew all his appearances were for a worthwhile school cause or community charity. The Foul Shots helped to raise over one million dollars during his leadership for worthwhile causes around the state. Bobby attended the University of Oklahoma from 1975-1980 and graduated with a degree in journalism. He was an avid OU fan and proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Bobby married Julianne Fudge on August 15, 1981, at Christ the King Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They were the proud parents of three children – Evan born August 1984, Matthew born February 1987, and Gracie born May 1991. Bobby was a proud father, who attended dance recitals, school musicals, and sporting events while juggling his endless hours of sports coverage at Channel 4 and on WWLS. Upon graduation from college, Bobby began work at KAUZ-TV Channel 6 CBS in Wichita Falls, Texas, for about a year before returning to the Sooner State to take a position as a sports reporter/anchor at KTVY (Channel 4) with his dad in 1982 where Bob Sr. was the Sports Director. Bobby and his dad shared a loved for all sports – and also shared a most unique love for each other at work daily. Bobby would give his dad a bear hug and a kiss on the cheek when he arrived at the sports office in the afternoon…and…later was known to get "kicked out" of the sports department when he chose to take his dad to task over the evening's sportscast. Bobby boosted the careers of many future aspiring sports media talents – never turning down the request of an intern. Those who had the privilege to work with Bobby and his dad were blessed forever with their friendship. Even though the whole state of Oklahoma could recognize him from afar, Bobby always introduced himself by name and with a handshake to those he had not personally met; Bobby never met a stranger. Just like his dad, Bobby loved people – and people loved him. His smile was infectious, and his personality was larger than life. He made everyone feel special, and even though his passion was sports, you didn't have to be an athlete to be attracted to BBJ. Despite being acquainted with every high profile sports figure in the state of Oklahoma, Bobby was humble in his profession. A tireless worker for the duration of his career at News Channel 4 and WWLS, Bobby was knowledgeable, genuine and appreciative. His co-workers, family and friends on a daily basis witnessed his passion for sports and life. Bobby was trusted and respected by his viewers, listeners, and peers. He was recognized six times as the Sportscaster of the Year in the State of Oklahoma. He never accepted any credit, always acknowledging his staff for his success. Bobby worked at Channel 4 for several years with his dad, Robbie Robertson, Robert Allen, Van Shea Iven and Brian Brinkley. In more recent years, his stalwarts included Matt Reese, Dylan Buckingham and Nate Feken. He was most appreciative to those "behind the scenes" – including his trusted cameraman of many years, Oliver Murray. Beyond his work, Bobby was a true sports fan. He wanted all Oklahoma sports teams to have success and reported as such. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State fans alike loved him. He was proud of the OKC Thunder and OKC Dodgers. He never met a sport he didn't want to follow or a young student-athlete he didn't want to support. He was a friend of small colleges in Oklahoma as well as large and small high schools across the state. Being a sportscaster wasn't a "job" for Bobby. It was his passion. It was his calling. If there ever was a profession synonymous with the name " Barry" – it was sports casting. Bobby, affectionately known by many as BBJ, touched more Oklahomans' lives than he would ever know or acknowledge. For many, his sportscasts were a sole source of sports information, for others they were entertainment, and for still others they were therapeutic to divert one from the many worries of our world. However perceived, Bobby and his sports were a fixture in many kitchen and living room TV's throughout our state every evening. For that, we are thankful. As Oklahomans, we are blessed in many ways. We have pride in our own and an energy and spirit that is unequaled. At the end of the day, when we reflect upon our blessings – we can all know that "BBJ" was one of our own. For that – we are forever grateful. Bobby married Gina, the love of his life, on June 15, 2002. The "lovely Gina" as he so affectionately referred to her on all of his sportscasts and radio broadcasts quickly adapted to his fast paced life, sports travel, and long hours at work. Bobby also welcomed Gina's son Tanner, a die-hard Oklahoma State fan, to his family with open arms and a warm heart. A trusted professional, Bobby was respected by every coach, athlete, administrator and colleague with whom he interacted. He had the unique opportunity to interview coaches from Barry Switzer to Pat Jones. From Bob Stoops to Mike Gundy. From Scott Brooks to Billy Donovan. He stood with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka in the evenings and with high school sports stars across the state the next morning. His ability to connect with all was unique. His charm was unparalleled, his wit was uncanny and his story lines were unpredictable. His "on-air" antics with Linda Cavanaugh, Kevin Ogle and Mike Morgan will forever be engrained in our minds. Bobby loved flying in Chopper 4 to cover Friday night football games all over the state of Oklahoma. With his sidekick, Van Shea Iven, their arrival over hundreds of football fields across the state was more than just a "happening" for small towns. His presence was so eventful, so meaningful to rural Oklahoma. Small children and the elderly alike welcomed his presence. He was a celebrity in all corners of the state. His talent and charisma made him a highly sought after personality at banquets and award ceremonies statewide. He served as the "Master of Ceremonies" for the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Gala honoring the Jim Thorpe Award winner. Just the same, he was also a special guest at junior high and high school awards ceremonies and sports banquets across the state. His presence warmed the hearts and widened the smiles of everyone he met. Bobby's job took him to sporting events all over the country. He reported for both News Channel 4 and WWLS from Super Bowls, NBA Finals, PGA Major Championships, NASCAR Races, College Basketball Final Fours, College Football National Championship Games, and College Baseball World Series. If you love Sports and you love Oklahoma – you loved BBJ. He is survived by his beloved wife Gina and four children: Evan, Matt & his wife Emily, Gracie and Tanner. His brother Frank & his wife Bonnie and their five children: Amanda, Ellen, John, Kate and Korey. His Uncle Jack and three cousins: John, Sally and Eddie.