Thomas Eugene "Gene" Barrett

Thomas Eugene ‘Gene’ Barrett, age 85, of Sanford passed away Saturday (May 11, 2024) at his home with his family by his side.

Born on March 31, 1939 in Rutherfordton, NC he was the only child born to the late Thomas Leslie and Ollie Gladys Dale Barrett.

Soon after his birth his family moved to the Brookford section of Hickory where Gene attended public school, then Academy and later Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. As a young boy, Gene worked at any odd job in his community that he could find. Yard work, housecleaning, painting and working alongside his father, he learned to hang sheetrock, and do carpentry and house painting. These skills proved very useful when he worked in a cabinet shop during college.

While still quite young, Gene became an innkeeper  for the Holiday Inn group, which gave him an opportunity to live in other parts of the state, to include Wilmington and Roanoke Rapids. Friends encouraged Gene to try other fields of work which ultimately landed him in Sanford where he became a sandblaster and painter of garbage trucks for ARS then later Waste Industries and Waste Management. He started his own business, Barrett Custom Works, in which he did auto body work for individuals besides continuing to serve the garbage companies, CP&L, Ready-Mix, Chandler and Heritage concrete companies. Lastly boats and campers, filled his nearly 30 years as a sole proprietor. A serious fall with back injuries curtailed his big jobs and Gene regrettably retired in 2014.

Gene was an active member of Pittsboro Seventh-day Adventist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. His family, his church and his neighbors were always loved and cared for. He was an honest and fair businessman, truly loved his Lord and freely gave of his time and means.

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Lillian Rosser McKinney Barrett; daughter Pamela B. Storie; his former wife Mary Elizabeth “Midge” Haney and mother of Mittisse Barrett, Connie B. Harbinson (Joel), Carmen B. Worley (Hugh); son Curtlan E. Barrett. Also surviving are step sons Scott McKinney (Paula) and Jason McKinney (Amy); grandchildren Tommy, Corey, Alexandria, Destinee, Brittin, Courtney, Reekah and Barrett; step grandchildren Bryce, Maddi, Phoebe and Killian; great grandchildren Kaleb, Elise, Hudson, Blake, Salem, Colton, Ha’keem; step great grandson Miles McKinney.

A memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Pittsboro Seventh-day Adventist Church conducted by Pastor Evan Bujeker. The family will receive friends following the service in the foyer of the church. 

The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Liberty Hospice and all the friends, neighbors and family who helped during Gene’s illness.

Memorials may be made to: Pittsboro Seventh-day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 339, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Services entrusted to: Fry & Prickett Funeral Home in Carthage. 

Online condolences may be made at PinesFunerals.com.