Phi Kappa Tau - Mississippi State University

T he story of Alpha Chi Chapter is told through the lives and impact of every brother. Barry Toney '85, an exceptional friend and commendable leader, holds his own unique place in the brotherhood's history. Even after his passing, brothers will never forget the mark he made on Phi Kappa Tau. Fraternal Spirit "He was outgoing and full of energy," Ken Pace '84 shared, remembering how he taught Barry to balance his time between fraternity life and his studies. "Work hard, play harder." Barry would work hard indeed, going on to serve Alpha Chi as vice president. "He put the fraternity, his brothers and friends, above himself," little brother David Armstrong '86 added. The two became family, stemming from Barry regularly checking on David after college. Barry was an uncle to David's two sons, and he and David maintained a close friendship while living in Texas. Big brother Bob Farley '83 recalled the passion Barry carried for Alpha Chi since becoming a pledge, being overwhelmed by emotion as Bob passed down his membership pin. "He kept on his pledge brothers to keep their grades up and stay on top of responsibilities. He was always working on whatever task was necessary to move Alpha Chi forward." Brotherhood Never Ends Little brother Alan Bonner '87 was also inspired by Barry's service to the fraternity, especially when Barry stayed connected through house corporation involvement. "He cared deeply about the success of the chapter to recharter and thrive thereafter," Alan explained. "He knew that working toward the goal of a new house was a strong catalyst in that success." Ken acknowledged just how paramount Barry's work was to Alpha Chi regaining their position for Phi Kappa Tau to excel at Mississippi State. He was immensely proud of Barry's drive to keep the momentum for Alpha Chi Chapter and devoting so much of his own time for the brotherhood. "He was front and center on the housing corporation but also behind the scenes on many other tasks," Bob said, recognizing Barry's efforts for the fraternity and the house. "Barry's other involvement went across eras of time; he had a knack for getting brothers together from across various timelines at MSU." A Legacy to Remember From undergraduate leadership to relentless support of Alpha Chi's future, Barry etched his name into the history of Phi Kappa Tau, eventually receiving the Phi Award, a testament to his outstanding fraternal service and impact on the brotherhood. "He was always thinking about the fraternity and what was best for it—that was his first and foremost focus," David said. "He did a great job in the capacity he served." From early pledge class memories to dedicated service as an alumnus, Barry left a mark on every brother he met, and his impact on Alpha Chi has propelled it to where the chapter is today. As Alan said: "Barry is the epitome of what it means to be a brother for life." "Barry was a Christian and a kind and generous person. It was amazing to watch him transition from college life throughout his professional life and church. His honesty and friendliness were readily apparent; he had a way of putting everyone at ease, and all our lives are better from having known him. He was one of a kind." –Bob Farley '83 P H I K A P PA TAU 2 President Jack Flower '20 Vice President Ethan Rogers '21 Treasurer Mason Payne '21 Vice President of Alumni Relations John Baladi '20 Secretary Jaxon Everett '22 Member Orientation Officer Parker Lowery '20 Recruitment Chairmen Griffin Rogers '20 Sumner Bass '21 Event Coordinator George Willis '20 Ken Pace '84 (second from left) and Barry (second from right) gather with fellow alumni at a brother's funeral. A NEVER-ENDING PASSION FOR ALPHA CHI Remembering Beloved Brother Barry Toney '85 "Barry was a fiercely loyal friend and brother. If he was your friend, you had him for life. He put everybody in front of himself." –David Armstrong '86 "Barry was everyone's friend; he knew how to get along with anybody in spite of our natural differences. He was kind and caring, smart and meticulous, reliable and trustworthy. I will miss him a lot." –Alan Bonner '87 CHAPTER OFFICERS

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