Barry Richard “Ricky” Witherspoon, age 60, died of a sudden illness Saturday, October 22, 2016.

He was born in Clovis, N.M., on June 30, 1957, to Gayland and Fredonia Witherspoon.

He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a degree in Landscape Architecture. At the time of his death, he resided in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

Barry’s career took him all over the world. He worked extensively in the Middle East, Africa and China.

Barry was engaged to marry Yen Yan Shen of Beijing, China. Barry was a member of Fort Hill Church in Clemson, S.C.

He was preceded in death by a nephew, John Bradley Witherspoon, Jr.

He is survived by his parents, Gayland and Fredonia Witherspoon, a brother, Dr. John Witherspoon, two children, Gavin and Ashley Witherspoon, numerous aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces.

A graveside service will be conducted at Roselawn Memorial park in Little Rock, Arkansas, at 11:00am, Wednesday, October 26, 2016. The service will be conducted by Reverend Scott Walter of Christ Episcopal Church, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home.