Obituary of Barry Wayne Thigpen

Barry Wayne Thigpen passed away on July 6, 2023.  He was 78 years old and a resident of Port Chester, NY.

Born in Alexandria, LA on March 29, 1945 to Stacy Cleo Thigpen and Ruth Jewel Greer Thigpen who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his wife of more than fifty years, Linda Kay Ferguson Thigpen and his son, Bryce Thigpen.

Barry attended Bogalusa High School in Bogalusa, LA, and Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA, graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Design and Visual Communications, Graphic Design and Marketing.

He had a long and successful career in the entertainment, tourism and theme park industries working with Disney, Anheuser-Busch, Universal Studios and Six Flags.  Barry was also active in industry professional organizations serving on the board of directors or as a member for various national and local travel & tourism organizations.  

Prior to that, he served in the United States Air Force including a special assignment tour with the Public Information Office of the Air Force Thunderbirds.

Barry and Linda met while in college in Louisiana and then had the opportunity to live in many different states including California, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.  They also lived in Brussels, Belgium for five years.

Barry is survived by his son, Davin Greer Thigpen, his daughter-in-law, Karyl Lin Thigpen and three grandchildren, Reid Lin Thigpen, Charles Greer Thigpen and Annabel Jane Thigpen who are residents of Rye, NY.  He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Greer Thigpen who resides in Peachtree City, GA and his sister, Nancy Jo Thigpen who resides in Alexandria, LA.  

Arrangements for a Celebration of Life for Barry are pending.  Donations in Barry's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.