Houston Barrett

Mr. Houston Barrett age 81 formerly of Parsons, TN passed away on Monday July 4, 2022 in Nashville, TN.

Houston grew up as the oldest of 3 boys, where he spent many days playing baseball in his parents’ yard with all the neighborhood kids.  He was the master of creating games for his brothers and all the kids to play.  Favorites included dice baseball, sock ball and football using dictionaries.  At age 15, Houston had a cancerous tumor removed from his neck and spent the summer making trips to Memphis with his mother for radiation.  His parents were told he probably would not survive one year.  He lived 66 more years without any problems.  Houston coached the Dodgers Babe Ruth baseball team in Decatur County for both Larry and Phil’s teams.  He also started and coached the first American Legion baseball team in Decatur County.

After graduating from Parsons High School, he attended Freed Hardeman University and Bethel College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Bethel.  He moved to Chicago, Illinois and taught for a few years at a private military academy before moving back to Parsons.  He then taught and coached boys basketball at Riverside High School, as well as teaching at Wayne County High School.  Houston made a move to Atlanta, GA and began a career with Scientific Atlanta.  He spent 30 plus years as a supervisor, and retired from Scientific Atlanta with his sights set on spending his retirement days playing golf like  his dad and brothers.  He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals and UT Vols fan, and followed the Lady Vols closely in his later years.  

He is survived by his Brothers, Phil Barrett of Decaturville, TN, and Larry Barrett of Parsons, TN; Nieces, Ashley (Steve) Adkisson and Brittany (Matt) Wood; Nephew, Anthony Barrett.

He is preceded in death by his Mother, Marie Barrett; Father, Keylon Barrett; Infant Brother, Baby Barrett.

The Barrett family will receive friends on Wednesday July 6, 2022 from 2:00PM until 8:00PM. Visitation will continue on Thursday July 7, 2022 from 9:00AM until time of funeral service. Funeral services will be held on Thursday July 7, 2022 at 11:00AM in the Parsons Mortuary Chapel with burial to follow in the Parsons City Cemetery in Parsons, TN.

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