John L. Barrett

John L. Barrett, 83, retired Central Academy Headmaster, died Sunday, August 26, 2007, at Noxubee General Hospital in Macon, MS after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. Funeral services will be held today at Macon Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM with Rev. Phillip Palmertree and Rev. Kevin Carroll officiating. Interment will follow in the Oddfellows Cemetery in Macon, MS.
Mr. Barrett was born in Starkville, MS on September 26, 1923, to the late Richard Homer and Bess McNees Barrett. He was a graduate of Shuqualak High School, but before he attended college, he served his country for four years during World War II in the U.S. Air Force as a Bombadier-Navigator and was discharged as a First Lieutenant. Following his discharge, he attended East Miss Junior College and then the University of Mississippi where he received his B.S. in 1948. Following that he received his M.E.D. ay Mississippi State University. During his college days, he played college football at EMJC and at the University of Mississippi.
Mr. Barrett began his career in education in 1948 at Shuqualak as head high school football coach. In 1950 he married the former Ann Ford. In 1951 he became the Noxubee County Schools Superintendent of Education and served in that position for four years. In January 1955, he went to work for East Mississippi Junior College as Business Manager where he worked for six and a half years. In August of 1961, he became the Macon High School principal until returning to the position of Noxubee County Schools Superintendent of Education.
Mr. Barrett also held several elected official positions during his lifetime, which included: Noxubee County Superintendent of Education for 10 years; Noxubee County Election Commissioner for 15 years; Noxubee County Democratic Executive commission for 17 years; and 4 terms as City of Macon Alderman. He also had many civic accomplishments over the years which include: Noxubee County Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year; Junior Auxiliary King of Charity Ball; and the Lion's Club, Lion of the Year.
After serving in the public school system for many years, Mr. Barrett began his career with the MPSA as Headmaster of Central Academy in Macon, MS in September of 1968, where he remained until his retirement in 1990. Included in his retirement years were two years of service as Interim Headmaster.
Mr. Barrett served in the Mississippi Private School Association for almost 24 years. His MPSA service included being the Chairman of MPSA Accrediting Commission and also the Chairman of the MPSA Academic Activities Commission. He was a member of the MPSA Hall of Fame and the MPSA Coaches Hall of Fame.
Mr. Barrett enjoyed playing golf and watching his grandsons play sports. He served for five years as manager of Zach Brooks Golf Course in Macon, MS.
Mr Barrett served Macon Presbyterian Church for many years as an officer, first as a member of the Diaconate and later as an Elder.
Mr Barrett is survived by his wife, Ann F. Barrett of Macon, MS; two daughters, Karen Barrett of Macon, MS and Betsy B. Barrett of Raleigh, N.C.; one son, John L. Barrett of Oxford, MS; and four grandsons. He is also survived by one sister, Ruth Wiggins of Jackson, MS; and one brother, Charlie Barrett of Shuqualak, MS.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Jeanette Barient and Shirley Jeansonne; and by two brothers, Clayton and Roger Barrett.
The family requests that, in leiu of flowers, memorials be made to Central Academy, P.O. Box 231, Macon, MS 39341 or to Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703.