Barry McGaughey

Barry McGaughey of Dothan, AL, passed away, Sunday, June 1, 2025 at his home. He was 73.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at First Baptist Church Dothan with Dr. Johnny Fain and Dr. Taylor Rutland officiating and Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. Visitation will begin at the conclusion of the Memorial service.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Dorothy Maye McGaughey.

Barry leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Thelmanne McGaughey; son, Matt McGaughey, Dothan, AL; daughter, Cricket Miller (Greg), Birmingham, AL; and “Pops” grandchildren, Radney, Fox, and Maye Miller of Birmingham, AL. He also leaves behind the family’s honorary daughter and sister, Wendy Armstrong Lipscomb, Dothan, AL, and his brother, Michael McGaughey, Atlanta, GA; uncle, Daniel Maye, Louisville, KY; and aunt, Gail Beck, Salisbury, NC.

Barry McGaughey was born in Macon, GA January 29, 1952, to Edgar and Dorothy Maye McGaughey. A graduate of Mississippi State from the School of Forestry, his first job landed him in Troy, Al where he met Thelmanne Fleming the day before she graduated college. They quickly fell in love and were married the following year. Barry dedicated his entire life to the timber industry, building relationships all over the southeast until he became physically unable in 2018.

If you had the pleasure of knowing Barry, you loved and respected him. His voice, laugh, and presence filled any room he entered. He had a heart of gold and loved his family intensely. Barry’s favorite free time activity was “piddling” on his boat and deep-sea fishing. Captain Barry was always ready to take anyone who was brave enough fishing, or a boat ride and it was guaranteed to be an adventure. He was a deacon, Sunday school teacher and an active member of First Baptist Church of Dothan for the majority of his life.

The family would like to thank the many care givers who helped take care of Barry his last tough seven years on this earth. A special thanks to Betty Johnson, Jazmine Covington, Geralyn Forrest, Debra Magwood, Jack Smiley, Cathy Gore, Adria Davenport, Tosha Scott and Katie Walker, and a special thanks to Shelly Scarbrough with Gentiva Hospice.

Per Barry’s request, his remains will be cremated, and the family will have a celebration of life to scatter his ashes in a variety of his favorite places but most of all, the Gulf.

The family wants to send a heartfelt thank you to all of the friends and family who have poured into them with love, friendship, countless meals and continual prayers over the last seven years.