Surrounded by love, Barry Hitchings passed to eternal glory on September 5, 2026, after a valiant struggle with cancer.  A generous, gentle soul, Barry gave his time and legal expertise to anyone in need; often pro bono.

Born in San Antonio, Barry grew up an AirForce family living in San Antonio, Germany, and New Mexico.  After graduating from Clovis, New Mexico HS, he attended Texas State University earning a B.A. in Government eventually earning a MA in Political Science (St. Mary's University-1974) and a Juris Doctorate (St Mary's University-1977)) While in law school, he served as Senior Associate Editor for the St. Mary's University Law Journal.

Having participated in ROTC as an undergrad, Barry was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1969.  His service included:

1969-Signal Officer-Goodfellow AFB

1969-71- Flight Commander 6922 Security Wing, Clark AFB, Philippines

1971-74- Flight Commander & Chief of Analysis & Reporting, Lackland AFB

1974-75 Special Security Officer, Foreign Technology Division, Wright Patterson AFB.

In 1975, Barry was released from active duty to attend law school.  He continued to serve in the USAF reserves retiring as a Lt. Col after 23 years of service.  As a reservist, he served as a military intelligence office at Bergstrom AFB, North American Air Defense Command, AirForce Space Command Cheyenne Mountain, Air Force Intelligence Agency in Washington DC. During the 1st Gulf War, he served at the Pentagon. His decorations include the AirForce Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Above all else in his life, Barry loved the law.  After graduating from law school, he served as an Assistant DA for Bexar County for nine years.  In 1987, he formed the law practice of Hitchings, Pollock, and Bernard (now Hitchings and Pollock) practicing criminal and civil at both trial and appellate levels.  He has published articles for the St. Mary's Law Journal, the American Journal of Criminal Law, and the San Antonio Bar Association. He also served as an adjunct professor at UTSA teaching both graduate and undergraduate classes in law and political science.  His deep, abiding faith in the constitution and the rule of law prompted him to actively support equality and justice; proudly participating in the "No Kings Marches" on 3 occasions.

His devotion in service to his fellow humans also included his work as Board Chair of the Good Samaritan Center, President of San Antonio South Rotary Club, District Commissioner for the Commanche District-Boy Scouts of America, Senior Warden and longtime vestry member for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. He also quietly and often anonymously supported numerous charities, clients, and religious organizations.

Barry was predeceased by his parents, Everet and Irma Beatty Hitchings, younger sister, Linda Jo Hitchings, mother-in-law, Henrian Engbrock Swofford, and nephew James Swofford.

Special thanks to Julie B. Pollock for keeping the law firm fires burning during Barry's illness.

He is survived by Dr. Mary Beth Swofford, sister, Betty Hitchings Jacobs and brother Buster Hitchings.  Nieces: JoAnn Jacobs, Jeanette Jacobs Wyatt, and Lacey Hitchings. Niece, Sarah Ann Becker, Christina Owens, and nephews Daniel Eugene Becker and Nick Trammell. Devoted cousin, Joan Ermis, numerous great nieces and nephews, dedicated clients, colleagues, friends, and his St. Stephen's Church family. Missing him infinitely is his special cat companion, Oreo.

Special appreciation to the ICU nurses at Texsan Methodist and the ICU Methodist Metropolitan Hospitals, especially Jen and Mia for their loving, compassionate care for Barry and Mary Beth during Barry's last days.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Service conducted by Fr. Dustin Barrows.

Serving as Pallbearers: JoAnn Jacobs, Jeanette Jacobs Wyatt, and Lacey Hitchings.

Sarah Ann Becker, Michael Bernard, and Clifford Gallagher.

Friday, September 18, 2026

Vigil service and visitation will be held from 4:30pm-7:30pm

with the Vigil to begin at 5:30pm

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

1119 North St. Mary's San Antonio, TX  78215

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Funeral Rite will begin at Noon

Brookhill Baptist Church

(next door to Barry's home church, St. Stephen's Episcopal)

631 Utopia Lane San Antonio 78223

Committal: Chapel Hill Memorial Park

7735 Gibbs Sprawl Rd. San Antonio, 78239

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

To honor Barry, please consider a contribution in his name to

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

631 Utopia San Antonio, TX 78223