Mr. William Brown Barrett

January 8, 1923 - April 1, 2019

Mr. William Brown Barrett, 96, passed away on April 1, 2019, at Lebanon Health and Rehab Center in Lebanon, TN. He was born on January 8, 1923, to the late Sadie Brown Barrett and Ben Barrett in Water Valley, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years Jane Hosmer Barrett, sisters Grace Barrett Lovorn and Janet Barrett Smith. He was a dedicated and faithful father to his daughters, Betsy Barrett (Pat Pesci) of Manhattan, KS and Rebecca Ringenberg (Clint Turner) of Mt. Juliet, TN; and grandfather to Amy R. Kelly (Andy Kelly) of Nashville, TN and great-grandfather to Barrett and Knox Kelly both of Nashville, TN. He attended the University of Mississippi and Delta State University before entering the Maritime Service where he was deployed in the Pacific during World War II. After the war, he attended the Belk School of Broadcasting in Minneapolis and then returned to Mississippi to become an announcer and sportscaster at WELO Radio in Tupelo. In 1947, he became a news and sportscaster for WCJU in Columbia, Miss and was the play by play announcer for the Columbia High School football games. In 1956, he became the Director of the Chamber of Commerce for the city of Columbia, thus beginning his career in industrial development. After four years with the Chamber, he became the assistant director for Industrial development for the state of Mississippi’s Agricultural and Industrial Board. During this time, he became widely respected as a leader in industrial development throughout Mississippi and the country. In 1961, he was selected to become the Executive Director of the North Mississippi Industrial Development Association headquartered in West Point, Miss. There he traveled throughout the US to bring new industry into the 29 counties of north Mississippi. Because of his expertise, he was asked to serve on the faculty at the Industrial Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma in Norman and often served as an "after dinner" speaker for many organizations throughout the southern US. He retired in 1986 and formed his own business, William Barrett Associates which offered consulting to communities needing assistance with industrial development. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved Ole Miss football. He and Jane traveled throughout the country attending football and baseball games. They enjoyed Mississippi State baseball and followed the team to the World Series several times. Bill loved his church, the First Christian Church of West Point, where he served as a deacon and on church committees. After he retired he served on several boards for the community and became the director of the Clay County Red Cross. He was known as a wonderful husband, father, professional and citizen. He was an enthusiastic story teller and especially loved a good joke. He loved his family and was especially proud of his grandaughter and great grandchildren. Graveside services will be Friday, April 5, 2019, at 2:30 P.M. from Greenwood Cemetery in West Point with Mr. Mort Stroud officiating. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, P.O. Box 208, West Point, MS 39773 or to Charity of Donor's Choice Visitation will be Friday 1:00-2:00 P.M. at Calvert Funeral Home. Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com