God gave him to us for 91 years; he did not come here to stay. Oh how he enlightened our days with a smile and his warm greeting, "Mush Mushie". How we will miss him dearly, now that he has transitioned to his heavenly home. A Time to be born: Russell W. Barrett was born on May 22, 1929 in the deep South in Pitt County. He was the son of sharecroppers, Charlie Bruce Barrett and "Boss" Annie Cooper Barrett on the Cotton Dale Plantation. Despite the hardworking environment they found their family in, they "pushed" for their ten children to pursue education by any means necessary. A Time to be Educated: He was educated in a three room school named Bruce's Elementary, and later he graduated from the historical black H.B. Suggs High School. He enrolled in Gupton-Jones Mortuary Science College (1 of 2 blacks in his class), and graduated with a 4-year degree as a Licensed Mortician. However, he never experienced a career in a funeral home nor did he fulfill his dream of becoming a MD due to finances. But, God had a plan for Russell's life. A Time to Serve: Russell served his country faithfully in the US Army 1st Cavalry Division from 1948 to 1952 as a Private 1st class despite his having a college degree. After traveling to Japan and Korea, he was honorably discharged as a Corporal, earned a Good Conduct Medal, and most importantly, the VA loan status. A Time to Build and Work: Russell went on to graduate from NC A&T State University with a BS in Industrial Arts Education and a Masters in Industrial Arts /Counseling. It was at NC A&T where he earned a Golden Glove award in boxing. He then went on to teach at Church Street School in Thomasville NC, and later retired from Kiser Junior High school (Middle school) after 40 years as an educator. He was taught the importance of a good spiritual foundation. He always remembered to put his faith in the Lord. He had affiliation and membership in United Institutional Baptist Church for more than 30- years where he served faithfully as a bible study student, and being member of Ward #4. In addition, he was an active participant in community, state and national organizations: Alliance of Retired Americans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Lifetime Barrett Russell member of NAACP, St John's Lodge #12, and the National Education Association. He was also awarded from the State of NC Teacher of the Year in 1975 and Certificate of Honor as an Outstanding Teacher 1976. A Time to Embrace: He was joined in matrimony to Geraldine Bracy Barrett who predeceased him in 2003. From this union, he is survived by his five children:: Dr. Vivian Barrett, Mrs. Myrtle Barrett-Soloman, (Joseph Sr.), Ms. Eddie Barrett-Williams, Dr. Walter W. Barrett and Ms. Rita D. Barrett; brother Douglas Barrett ( Hanan), sister Mrs. Elba Elliott (Raymond); two sisters-in laws Ms. Ina Siler and Mrs. Emma Barrett eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren…leaving a Legacy of five generations, never to forget a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a "special" nephew Mr. Don Barrett. A Time to Play: Russell was a "man of many hats", or what some would call a "jack of all trades". His love of playing the piano, guitar, singing folk music, being an artist, inventor, organizer, mentor, teacher, engineer, a mechanic, and his favorite pastime and passion was his being an activist/treasurer for the Arlington Park Neighborhood Association. From development of dirt streets to paved roads, sidewalks, crossing lights, handicap accesses and overall improvements of his community where results of his tedious and dedicated work. A Time to Mourn: "Our daddy was tired and had to go. So during the night, he reached out for the Father's Hand and slipped away. Daddy reminded us, "Please do not grieve too long, nor shed too many tears, and he in return would always be near. "I love you" he whispered as he took his last breath. Do not fret, Jesus loves us all; please never forget!" - The Family A private graveside service honoring his life will be held Friday September 11, 2020 at Carolina Biblical Gardens.