William Barrett Obituary

William Lon "Bill" Barrett, III, previously of Johnson City, went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2023. Bill was born in Kingsport, TN where he graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. He completed his education at East Tennessee State University. He was an active member of Sigma Chi fraternity where he made lifelong friends. He became a businessman in the Tri-Cities area having been manager of Pic and Pay Shoe Store in Kingsport for many years, and then manager of Carolina Pottery in Blountville, TN. Due to failing health, and not willing to give into his physical disabilities, he worked part-time at several other businesses until he could no longer work. He accepted Christ as his Savior as a teenager and was a member of Mafair United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents: William Lon Barrett, Jr. (Dad) and Marshall "Lucky" Barrett (Mother). He is survived by his sisters: Connie Smith (Larry) of Kingsport, and Marsha McFall (Johnny) of Gainesville, GA; two nieces: Tonia Smith Parlier (Darrell) of Greeneville, Tn and Katelyn McFall of Atlanta, GA, and two nephews: Connor McFall of Atlanta, GA, and Andrew Lankford (Beth) of Dickson, TN, and a great-niece: Constance Parlier Burton (Josh) and great-nephews: Joseph Parlier and Zion Lacy.

Bill showed great love, devotion and care for his parents. He was a loving brother and a loyal friend. Although a man of few words, he really enjoyed a good joke. Laughter came easy to him.

The family offers special thanks to Dr. Shipstone and his staff of the Oncology and Hematology Office for their support, kindness, and the exceptional care they gave him. He really considered them his second family.

Bill was very blessed to have friends who stood with him through his illness. A special thanks goes to Dave Tingroff, Bob Clay, and Steve Burnette who went the extra mile in their devotion to him.

Per Bill's request a Celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 29 at East Lawn Funeral Home led by Rev. Adam Love. Burial will be in the East Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105 or give the gift of life at any Marsh Regional Blood Center locations.