Barry Gaines Jones' Obituary
Born on Christmas Eve in Nashville, TN, Barry Gaines Jones made every birthday a double holiday. From his first steps he leaned toward open fields, wide trails, and bright family gatherings. Those simple joys shaped a life summed up best in one line: hardworking and supportive husband and father who enjoyed the great outdoors.
Barry brought that spirit into the workplace. He retired after 40 years from the Metro Nashville Government. His final role he served as Human Resources Director for Metro Water Services, where he applied his determination, honesty, and confidence each day. He also served the first president and founder of IPMA, International Personnel Management Association.
Game days were special to Barry. He cheered for the Tennessee Titans, Vanderbilt University basketball, and Middle Tennessee State University teams and swung for the fences in church league softball during hot Tennessee summers. Sports kept his competitive spark alive.
Outdoors was Barry’s favorite place. He hiked, camped, and even treated mowing the lawn as a badge of honor, earning the title of best grass on Stoners Glen Drive. Many afternoons found him tending the Stoners Glen Community Garden alongside friends Joe and Bill.
Barry also saw the world through a camera lens. His proudest shots were sweeping landscapes and an unforgettable trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Holidays were a chance for Barry to fire up the grill and bring everyone outside. Christmas Eve, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day turned into cookouts filled with laughter and the smell of barbecue. Those gatherings are now treasured memories for his family.
Faith guided Barry’s weeks. He was an active member of Trinity and City Road United Methodist Churches, offering his time and spirit to both congregations. He spent many moments in prayer daily and shared his faith with those he assisted with Room In The Inn.
Friends remember Barry as a jokester whose outgoing nature lifted every room. His hardworking, honest, determined, and confident style set a clear example for others. He lived with energy and purpose every day.
Barry passed peacefully surrounded by family on January 19th, 2026, in Hendersonville, TN. He is survived by his spouse Judy P. Jones; daughter Andrea Nixon and her husband, Kevin Nixon; son David Jones and his husband, Carlos Shivers. He was a loving and doting GrandBarry to his granddaughters Sarah Nixon and Katherine Duncan; grandson Jack Nixon and great-grandson, Nixon Duncan; twin brother, Larry Jones and sister-in-law Pat Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Oliver Jones and Florence Bunn Jones, and brother Robert Jones.
To celebrate Barry’s beautiful life, friends and family are encouraged to step outside, enjoy a game, or plant a flower in his honor. Each simple act under the open sky keeps his adventurous spirit shining bright.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, https://www.springhillfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Barry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barry?
Share a story where Barry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barry you’ll never forget.
How did Barry make you smile?
