Barry's roots are in Southwest Louisana where he grew up in the 50's and 60's, learning a bit about Cajun culture and cooking.  In the early 70's he attended Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, earning a B.S. degree in Business.  He attended seminary in Austin, Texas and went on to serve churches in the suburbs of Houston, Dallas, and F. Worth before moving to work with a congregation in Salina, Kansas in 1989.

In 1996 the Williams family (Barry, his wife Brenda, and their two sons, Stephen and Peter) moved to Southwest Missouri.  Brenda is a Psychologist with the Cox Hospital System in Springfield.  Stephen went to the University of Tulsa where he met Shelby Riker.  They were married on July 12, 2008. Stephen is currently serving in the U.S. Army.  Peter is a Junior at the University of Tulsa, but he is spending this year abroad studying at The London School of Economics.

Springfield has functioned as "home base" for Barry as he served as an Interim Pastor in the region.  He will be finishing his tenth interim at the end of May.

Barry is a Certified Interim Ministry Specialist int he Presbyterian Church (USA).  He has been part of the PCUSA interim ministry education faculty since 2000.

His interests include fly fishing, cooking, and staying in contact with family, friends, and colleagues.