Barry Russell Elson
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Barry Russell Elson passed away June 7, 2021, 80 years loved. A distinguished graduate of Dartmouth College and Cornell University, Barry served as a first lieutenant early in the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia, where he ran the world's first mobile satellite communications station. After serving his country, he moved into the corporate world and evolved into a telecommunications/broadband/media specialist. A former chairman of CTAM and EVP at Cox Communications, Barry was later inducted into the Cable TV Pioneers Hall of Fame. A native "Jersey Boy", Barry was a star athlete in baseball and basketball at both Bloomfield High School, where he contributed to the team's historic 64-game win streak, and at Dartmouth, where he captained each team. This love of sports would remain throughout his life. A two-time head and neck cancer survivor, Barry and his wife contributed to four major cancer research projects at MD Anderson, the Jimmy V Foundation and Emory's Winship Cancer Institute, where he also served as part of the Patient Advisory Board. Barry was extraordinarily generous with his time for others and gave back during his retirement years by mentoring 91 cancer patients nationwide, helping them reach the best NCI treatment centers for their individual cancers. He was a member of the Johns Creek Veteran's Association, contributing to the development of a world-class Veterans Memorial Park that uniquely includes a 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial "The Wall That Heals". In spring 2021, Barry was honored to be appointed by Governor Kemp to serve as a board member for Georgia's Department of Human Services. Barry lived in Georgia for 38 years with his beloved wife, Karen, and their two children, Blake and Sabrina. His older children Kristen, Dean and Craig, blessed him with six wonderful grandchildren. Barry is also survived by a much-loved brother, Lee Elson, Sr. Barry Russell Elson was an enthusiastic sports fan, loyal Phi Delt, and a connoisseur of history, gourmet food and little-known factoids. He never stopped learning. He was a collector of antique maps, fine wine, and loved to travel. Barry was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be sorely missed.
Per his request, Barry will be buried in the Georgia National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Barry Elson Memorial Fund for Cancer Research via the Jimmy V Foundation: https://vfoundation.donordrive.com/campaign/Barry-Russell-Elson-Memorial-Fund-for-Cancer-Research