NEWPORT NEWS — John Douglas Barrett, 84, died peacefully Friday, July 16, 2021, at his home. John was born in Irvine County, Ky., in January 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, 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. Known as a true “mountain man,” he 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 fish were frying and 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; parents, Willie and Flora Barrett; sisters, Mary Frances, Bertha, Freda Mae “Dell” and Glenn; daughter, Marilyn Colleen Caldwell; great-granddaughter, Taylor Marie Dorset; and son-in-law, Robert Marti.
John is survived by his brother, Bill of Austin, Texas; sister, Dela May of Chicago, Ill.; daughters, Phyllis (James) Gwynn of Gloucester, Rose (Jerry) Brandt of Newport News, Donna Marti of Hampton and Shannon (Terry) Joyce of Gloucester; sons, John D. Barrett II (Elizabeth) of Gloucester and Raymond (Linda) Barrett of Evansville, Ind.; and 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 have become like family to him over the years.
The family would like to give a special thank you to John’s daughter, Donna. She 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.
The family thanks everyone who reached out with condolences.
A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date.
Share online condolences with the family at Weymouth Funeral Home.
