The Life and Legacy of Wardy Joubert III, Known as Barry Wood

Early Life and Career

Wardy Joubert III was born on August 30, 1971, in the vibrant city of San Francisco. From a young age, Joubert, who would later be famously known as “Wood,” showed a keen interest in sports, earning his nickname while playing baseball during his childhood. After completing high school, he pursued a career in semi-professional arena football, demonstrating his athletic prowess and dedication to the sport.

Beyond the football field, Joubert was deeply involved in his community. He served as a football coach and took on the role of a deacon at St. Paul Tabernacle Baptist Church in San Francisco. His commitment to his faith and community was evident through his active participation in church activities and mentorship of young athletes.

A Turn to Modeling

In 2010, during a financially challenging period, Joubert ventured into a different field as he participated in a photoshoot for erotic imagery. This decision was driven by the need to support himself financially. Little did he know, this side job would posthumously catapult him into viral internet fame.

Tragically, Joubert’s life came to a premature end when he suffered a heart attack and passed away on December 11, 2016, at the age of 45. His sudden demise was a significant loss to those who knew him personally and appreciated his contributions to his community and church.

The Unexpected Rise to Meme Fame

The year 2009 marked the beginning of what would become a widespread internet phenomenon involving Joubert. He modeled for a nude photo while sitting on a bed, an image that would later be altered and shared widely across platforms like 4chan and Reddit starting in 2012. The meme, humorously titled “Wood Sitting on a Bed,” gained notable traction and became a staple in internet meme culture.

In 2020, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, the meme saw a resurgence. It was humorously used in various pranks, including being shared on WhatsApp as a faux virus alert. This led to the creation of a dedicated subreddit, “r/barrywood,” where the community continued to celebrate and evolve the meme, creating new content and sharing laughs.

Philanthropic Legacy and Continued Impact

Following Joubert’s death, a GoFundMe page was established to help cover funeral expenses. In 2020, the page’s purpose was expanded to support the homeless in San Francisco by providing boxed lunches and hygiene packs, a cause Joubert cared deeply about. This initiative has helped keep his spirit of community service alive.

Moreover, Joubert’s unexpected fame led to his image being used in merchandise by companies like Barstool Sports and comedian Tom Segura, with proceeds supporting his family. This commercial use of his image has helped provide financial support to his loved ones while keeping his memory alive in popular culture.

Conclusion

Wardy Joubert III’s life was a blend of athleticism, community service, and unexpected posthumous fame. From his early days as a promising athlete and devoted church member to becoming an iconic figure in digital meme culture, his legacy continues to influence and inspire. Joubert’s story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable ways in which a person’s impact can extend far beyond their immediate life and actions.

FAQs

• Who was Wardy Joubert III?
  Wardy Joubert III, also known as Barry Wood, was an American preacher, football coach, and model who became the subject of a popular internet meme.
• How did Barry Wood become a meme?
  He modeled for a nude photo in 2009, which later became photoshopped and widely circulated on the internet as a meme starting in 2012.
• What was the meme of Barry Wood used for during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  It was humorously used in pranks, shared as a fake alert related to the virus, and gained renewed popularity.
• How has Barry Wood’s image been used for charitable causes?
  Proceeds from merchandise featuring his image have been used to support his family and fund charitable activities like feeding and aiding the homeless in San Francisco.
• Did Barry Wood have any involvement in community service?
  Yes, he was actively involved in his church and coached young athletes, showing a strong commitment to his community.