Robert Glen Barrett

Robert Glen Barrett, age 71, of Big Sandy, TN, passed away on August 24, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. A visitation with the Barrett family will be held on Sunday August 30^th from 12-2 at Stockdale Malin Funeral Home in Big Sandy. A Memorial Service will follow at 2 PM.

Mr. Barrett was born on May 15, 1949 in Big Sandy, Tenn. to the late Jack Barrett and Lamoine Bradley Barrett. He grew up in the Lick Creek community in northern Benton County on his parent’s farm. Robert attended Lick Creek School and graduated from Big Sandy High School. He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1971. Mr. Barrett began his 50-year career as a Land Use Specialist with the Tennessee Valley Authority. Soon after, Robert became a professional surveyor in 1976 and formed Barrett-Maxwell & Associates in 1980 with his lifelong friend Greg Maxwell. Robert and Greg operated their consulting forestry, engineering, and surveying business out of Big Sandy, Tennessee, and Anchorage, Alaska.  After re-centering his business in Big Sandy, Robert spent the next four decades practicing forestry and land surveying in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi.

Mr. Barrett’s enduring passion for forest management and conservationism was surpassed only by his dedication and love for his family. Robert’s greatest accomplishment was instilling this love for forest management, wildlife and conservation into his four children and eight grandchildren. Known as “Papa Bob,” Robert took great pride in teaching his grandchildren the history of his family’s farm on long truck rides through the fields and forest of his property. He was a mentor to his niece and nephews, a steward of his family’s property, and a leader in his community.

Mr. Barrett was a graduate of Leadership Benton County and participated in multiple community events and fundraisers, supported local youth sports and several charitable organizations. Robert was a scholar of history and had an abiding interest in World War II, particularly in the Pacific theatre where his father and uncle served.

Mr. Barrett was preceded in death by his brother Wayne Barrett and grandchild Riley Barrett.

He is survived by:

Sons: Jamie (Heather) Barrett of Big Sandy, Tenn.

Jack (Tiffany) Barrett of Big Sandy, Tenn.

Daughters: Amy (Steven) Napoli of Nashville, Tenn.

Katy Barrett-Alley (Dave) Alley of Ashland City, Tenn.

Sister: Linda Barrett of Big Sandy, Tenn.

Aunt: Letta Goforth

Grandchildren: Haylee, Andie, Aubrey, Lyra, Juliet, Hudson, Lylah, and Lochlan

Honorary Grandchild: Alex Scronce