Tom Bary Jr.

On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, Dr. Thomas Bary, loving husband, and father of four children, passed away at the age of 64. Pastor Tom began his collegiate career at Flagler College on a track scholarship. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Florida. He later received a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Evangelism and Church Growth from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

Tom devoted his life to ministry. He began working locally as the Associate Pastor and Minister of Youth at Neptune Baptist Church. He then became the Minister to single adults at Germantown Baptist Church in Germantown, Tennessee. In the fall of 1996, Tom returned to Neptune Beach as lead pastor to Neptune Baptist Church where he passionately served until his passing. Between his time as Youth Minister and Pastor, Tom served 36 years at Neptune Baptist Church.

Tom deeply loved his family: wife Karen; their four children, Megan, Andrew, Katherine and Emily; his grandson, Hyder Thomas; and son-in-law, Kurtis. Tom also loved his cat, Puck.

Tom had a passion for serving his community. Over the years he was a part of many projects that benefited the needs of others while bringing people together. Tom loved hosting the annual “King of the Hill” Surf Fest in Neptune Beach which benefited Mission House, a nonprofit that serves the homeless and less fortunate in the Beaches community.

His sermons and podcasts were admired not only by friends and family, but also by all who frequented the church or events over the years. He was also an avid reader and trivia enthusiast. He had a competitive spirit who loved to play and watch sports, especially his beloved Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Braves. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his kind and compassionate spirit, and his knowledge of facts about any and everything. He was a truly selfless man.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Neptune Baptist Church. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Neptune Baptist Church, 407 Third Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266, for the Mission House in his honor.

The service will be live streamed on Neptune Baptist Church facebook page as well as on Youtube. You may follow the link below for the Youtube live stream.