Obituary

Barry Keith McNabb

January 30, 1954 — September 21, 2026

Barry Keith McNabb, a resident of Kentwood, La, passed away unexpectedly on Monday September 21, 2026 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, La. He was born January 30, 1954, in Kentwood, La and was 72 years of age. Barry was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, accomplished welder and welding instructor, lifelong horse and cattleman, outdoorsman, athlete and friend to many. Most importantly he was a Christian. Barry was a member of New Zion Baptist Church and attended Pine Ridge Church. A graduate of Greensburg High School and Southwest Community College, where he was later inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. He was a welder by trade and earned his CWI through the American Welding Society. Upon retiring from from the refineries, he earned his teaching degree from McNeese state University where he went on to teach welding at NTCC, Greensburg Campus. Retiring from NTCC, sitting still was not in his nature. He started Bearcat’s Hay Bailing and worked that business until his passing. 

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 51 years, Helen Ballard McNabb, four daughters: Bridgette Hughes (JD), Beth Day (Jeff), Brooke Hughes (Lee) and Ishalyn Ballard. Seven grandchildren: Preston Day (Callie), Hadlee Monroe Day, Parker Hughes, Annabel Hughes, Sarah Ann Hughes, Ashton Broussard and Annsley Broussard. Brother in law Walter Ballard (Peggy), sister in law and brother in law Nellin and Ronny Webb. Numerous special friends, neighbors, former students, coworkers and football buddies. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents Robert Lee McNabb and Nannie Belle Sanders McNabb, brothers Johnny McNabb and Bobby McNabb, sister Ann McNabb Huff, sister in law Minnie Bridges McNabb, brothers in law Lynn Huff and David Ballard and his father and mother in law Ishmel and Sarah Ann Ballard. 

The family extends a special and heartfelt thanks to Dr. J. W. Varnado for his care and friendship. 

Visitation will be held at Pine Ridge Church from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026 and will resume at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026 until religious services at 11:00 a.m. Services will be conducted by the Reverend Doctor Michael Townsend. Interment will follow at New Zion Cemetery in Kentwood, La.