Barry Shane Martin
Barry Shane Martin, age 52, passed peacefully on July 20, 2024, after a valiant battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme. His wife, Lisa, his children, and many family members were by his side.
Born November 29, 1971, in Parkersburg, WV to Gary and Karen (Buckley) Martin, Barry attended Spencer High School and went on to excel at Virginia Tech and Glenville State College. He would meet the love of his life, Lisa (Almond) Martin in 2007, and would marry on June 26, 2010.
Throughout his life, Barry held many roles working for Anthem (previously Blue Cross Blue Shield), most notably as the Director of Cloud Platform Management Services and later as Chief of Staff of Cloud Platform Services. He proudly served on the Board of Directors for Key Chorale and was an active part of the Student Scholarship Program. In 2015, he found his home at Grace Community Church. At Grace, Barry wore many titles: Service Director, Board Member, ‘Director of BBQ’, and most importantly, Mentor. His family at Grace grew far and wide.
However, the greatest title Barry would hold was Father to Logan and Reese. Despite intense chemotherapy and radiation, he was grateful to feel well enough to witness his son Logan’s marriage and celebrate with family and friends in May. A few dances were had that will be cherished for a lifetime. Barry was also able to enjoy frequent visits to Peach’s Restaurant with his daughter, Reese, one of their favorite pastimes.
Remembered fondly as the world’s best hug-giver, Barry will also be memorialized for his kind and supportive nature. Never one to judge and always there to be a friend and offer support. He will never fully know his impact on family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. Barry was blessed with a heart that touched everyone.
All who knew him would agree that he also knew how to bring people together through food. Known to many as a BBQ and Chief Smoker Extraordinaire, no party would be complete without his brisket, pulled pork, and turkey. He knew how to throw a party and always hosted holiday and family gatherings, upheld family traditions like making apple butter, and ensured everyone had their preferred drink and felt spoiled…and they did.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa of Bradenton, FL; his children Logan (Jasmine) Martin of Sarasota, FL; Reese (Chris Price) Martin of Bradenton, FL; his parents Gary and Karen of Sarasota, FL; his brother Stephen (Steve Bennet-Martin) Martin-Bennet of Sarasota, FL; in-laws William and Adele Almond of South Pasadena, FL; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends that have become family who will miss him beyond words.
Barry received an outpouring of love and support during the final weeks of his life which his family will never forget. A special appreciation to the Grace Community Church family, and Lisa’s sister, Maria (Almond) Cannon, for their unwavering support during these difficult times.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Community Church, 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Public viewing will begin at 10 am with service at noon followed by a light lunch reception. A live stream can be found here.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations in Barry’s honor to the following be considered:
Grace Community Church c/o Barry Martin Student Center, 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240; https://gracesarasota.churchcenter.com/giving
Glioblastoma Foundation, https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate
Tidewell Foundation, 3550 S. Tamiami Tr, Sarasota, FL 34239
