Barry Exum Obituary (1960 - 2021)

Barry Jay Exum, son of the late John and Delores (Strickland) Exum, was born October 29,1960 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the age of five his family moved to Camden, New Jersey. He received his elementary and middle school education in the Camden City Public School System. When he was a child, Barry enjoyed playing the Bongos in his family’s band. While in High School he was on the Wrestling Team, and he was great at it! (In one match he defeated a two time winning state champ) He Graduated from Camden County Technical High School in Sicklerville, New Jersey. Shortly after High School Barry enlisted in the Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge. While in the Army National Guard he was employed by Waste Management Inc. After obtaining his Commercial drivers license he started his career as a truck driver. He was employed with Phase III Trucking Inc. for over two decades. He enjoyed driving 18-wheeler trucks as well as traveling to many city’s and states. On July 5, 1986 Barry married Brenda Sue Hairston and began a loving blended family. Barry had a phenomenal personality. He was a comedian, always telling jokes and kept everyone around him laughing. He was a down to earth man. Keeping it real with anyone he came in contact with. He spoke his mind and held nothing back. Barry loved to talk and brighten up people’s days. He would speak to people he didn’t know, sparking up joyful conversations. He loved watching WWE Raw (professional wrestling), as this was his Monday night ritual with his granddaughter Alanna. He also liked watching Police Television shows. (Cops, Chicago PD, Law & Order, just to name a few) Oh, and when it came to football he was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. If you spoke badly about the Eagles you would have a problem with Barry (lol) He enjoyed listening to music, singing along and dancing. His granddaughters enjoyed having dance battles with him. When it came to Rap Music, Tupac was his favorite rapper. Barry also like playing basketball. The best times were when he and his best friend/brother Butter would play against his sons George and Jermaine at the courts in Fairview. His favorite food was any type of potatoes, however french fries were his number one choice. The most important thing to Barry was his family. He was a hard working, caring, fun, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. When it came to his grandchildren, he supported them greatly in any activity that they were involved in. Barry could be found on the sidelines, in the stands and in the snack stand lines (ordering french fries lol) or wherever his grandchildren needed him to be. On Tuesday, October 5, 2021 the Lord dispatched his angels to Barry’s bedside and escorted him home in grand style, riding on the wings of the Angels Barry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Brenda Hairston and brother, John Exum Jr. ; bonus brother Thomas (Butter) Kersey. He leaves to cherish many precious memories: 2 daughters, Tavona and Erin Exum; bonus daughter Christina Williams; 2 sons George Hairston and Jermaine Sykes; a sister, Linda Deal; a brother Steven Exum; 2 sister-in-law’s, Cindy Exum and Helen Hairston; bonus sister-in- law Danita Kersey; a brother-in-law Dennis Deal; former spouse, Carmella Palmer; God daughter Tiffany Kersey; 10 grandchildren, Tyshawn, Alanna, Jamair, Jermaine, Ayanna, Christian, Anai, Jackson, Seven and Brave; special nieces and nephews, Takiyah Exum, Sheena Bailey, Shameeka Hairston, Sheeda Jackson, Branae Kersey, Tahai Exum, Brandon Kersey and Thomas Kersey and a host of cousins, great nephews and nieces and friends all of who he loved and touched dearly. We love you Barry, but our Savior loved you best, so go on and take your rest. Lovingly submitted, The Family