Tommy Joe Barrett

Tommy Joe Barrett, age 65, left us to be with our heavenly father while at home with his family on Sept. 17. Born in Kingsport, Tenn., on May 22, 1951, to Ellis and Ruby, he grew up in Church Hill, where he attended high school, and went on to graduate from ETSU. Tommy was a talented woodworker, a well-known farmer, and a preacher of God’s word. Brother to Jim, Jerry, Jeff, and Robin; loving husband to Dr. Christine Elizabeth for 43 years; father to Thomas Christopher and Jonathan Nathaniel Austin; and Papa to his grandson Colton. He also leaves behind his father-in-law George Howard and his wife Jeri, numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and an uncle. Tommy was strong in his faith, in prayer, the love for his family, his life, and even in the moment of death. As a father, he taught his sons to be the same. Tommy showed us all how to be more understanding and forgiving, to be thankful for everything in life, to love and to pray, to stand up when you need to and to sit down when you should. Tommy spent his life demonstrating how to be a father and a husband, a friend, a neighbor, how to be who you are. We love you, Dad. Ecclesiastes 12:1. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to One Way Mission, c/o Marshall Hodges, 1739 Rock Ridge Road, Callaway, VA 24067. Funeral service will be conducted 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Flora Funeral Chapel with Pastor Steve Tilley officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.