Private Service to be held at a later date.
John Douglas Barrett, 84, died peacefully in his home in Newport News on Friday, July 16, 2021. John was born in Irvine County, Kentucky in January of 1937 bringing in the New Year with excitement. From an early age, John worked with his father and learned the value of an honest day’s work. John met the girl of his dreams, Winnie Marie, at a church dance. They married in 1954 at the tender age of 17. In 1963, they relocated to Newport News, Virginia where John began a successful career as a Master Drywall Contractor. This career allowed him to provide for his wife and their seven children. In 1994, John and Winnie purchased their forever home. This is where they enjoyed a peaceful retirement in Denbigh. John was an avid hunter and enjoyed all outdoor activities. He was known as a true Mountain Man and was affectionately known as “Big John”. John was a born entertainer and he always had a joke to tell and could put a smile on your face. By far, his most enjoyable activity was playing the guitar for his family and friends throughout the years. He took center stage in his custom-built Gazebo appropriately known as “Big John’s Place”. If the fish was frying and the music was playing, John was a happy man! John liked to think of himself as not only a fantastic driver, but also a rebel! He claimed that this fact was proven when he was able to get by without a valid driver’s license for 25 years and never received a ticket.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Winnie Marie Barrett; his parents, Willie and Flora Barrett; his sisters, Mary Frances, Bertha, Freda Mae “Dell” and Glenn; his daughter, Marilyn Colleen Caldwell; his great-granddaughter, Taylor Marie Dorset; his son-in-law, Robert Marti.
John is survived by his brother, Bill of Austin, Texas; his sister, Dela May of Chicago, Illinois; his daughters, Phyllis (James) Gwynn of Gloucester, Rose (Jerry) Brandt of Newport News, Donna Marti of Hampton, Shannon (Terry) Joyce of Gloucester; his sons, John D. Barrett II (Elizabeth) of Gloucester and Raymond (Linda) Barrett of Evansville, Indiana; his 14 grandchildren: April, Jesse-John, Tonie, David (Bubba), Billy, Daniel, Chrystal, John Douglas III, Matthew, Bruce, Amanda, David, Teresita and Laura, as well as their respective spouses and children. He will be remembered by his wonderful neighbors who over the years have become like family to him.
The family would like to give a special thank you to John’s daughter, Donna. She has spent the last few years making sure he had everything he wanted and needed. This included his favorite Vanilla ice cream, fresh Buttermilk in the fridge, a pot of beans on the stove and fresh cornbread in the oven.
They want to thank everyone who has reached out with condolences. A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date. They encourage everyone to consider posting fond memories on the website of Weymouth Funeral Home of Newport News.