Barry Whittaker, 65, of Humble, TX lost his fight with cancer on January 3, 2023 in his home. He passed peacefully in his sleep.

Barry was born on June 14, 1957, to Wallace Wray Whittaker and Norma (Marr) Whittaker in Houston, Texas. He grew up on the northside of Houston within walking distance of most of his extended family. Barry started working at 16 years old in construction. He worked as a roofer and framer before learning the trade of carpet and tile installation. His favorite thing to do at that time was attend concerts. He attended more than 60 concerts in the years before he got married.

He met his wife, Jamie, at work. They married December 30, 1981, and Barry became the stepfather of Jamie’s 11 year old daughter, Sandra. He was a devoted dad to Sandra and loving granddad to her two
children, James Martin and Kristen Reyes.

In 1988 Barry suffered a back injury that ended his construction career. He and his wife expanded their bird hobby and opened a retail store. The store was originally a full line pet store and eventually became birds only. Thirty-four years later the store is still there and they were still married. Barry really missed the store after he became ill. Barry loved all animals and they generally loved him too. He was very skilled in the world of animal husbandry. The words “animal husbandry” does not properly convey the deep love, devotion and connection he had with those in his care.

Barry had many friends including customers and employees. He was patient, kind, and caring. He was an excellent teacher, helping others to learn how to train their birds. He was the best hand feeder at the store and a patient teacher of that skill for employees. When the store was full line Barry was the fish guy. The store had 120 aquariums, freshwater and saltwater, and lots of equipment to keep them running. Barry was the master of all of it. He helped the customers to keep their tanks healthy and beautiful. Anytime something broke or anytime we needed something to work differently, Barry found a work-around. He was the store’s Mr. Fix-it.

When not working Barry enjoyed playing games, chess was his favorite. He was a master of dominoes, spades and all other games when he had a chance to play them. He was a die-hard Astros and Texans fan. He was fascinated by magic and once saw Siegfried and Roy in person.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents and he is survived by his wife, Jamie; his daughter, Sandra Sanchez (Rod); his grandchildren, James Martin, Kristen Reyes; his sister Debbie McFall (Chuck); his brother Keith Whittaker (Pam); his nephews Chase Whittaker, Blake Whittaker (Mieke), Trent Whittaker; his niece, Shea McFall Ricks; and several great nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held at Rosewood Funeral Home 17404 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Atascocita, TX 77346 at 10:00 AM on January 16.

The family requests that a donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.
www.stjude.org/donate