Barry Dean Setzer

1942 - 2022

Barry Dean Setzer obituary, 1942-2022, Winston-Salem, NC

BORN

1942

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Salem Funerals & Cremations - Downtown

120 South Main Street

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Barry Setzer Obituary

Barry Dean Setzer

December 25, 1942 - January 31, 2022

Barry Dean Setzer, lifelong innovator, dies at 79.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path." Proverbs 3:5. That was Barry's life verse, and the following narrative is a sprint along his remarkable path: we might have known something special was up in 1942 when Barry's mother, Wanda Lee, brought him into the world on Christmas Day. As a little boy, he was all about speed. Family and neighbors loved his vocal impersonation of a fast car — engine revving, then a big backfire which he enunciated as POW!

Born in Charlotte, with family ties in Hickory, he was working at age 17 as a deckhand on an Ohio River oil barge. Pennzoil doled out the wages, and Barry saved enough to buy a Harley Sportster motorcycle. He raced it at Daytona, scored with the crowds and the judges, and his career in racing was launched. It would continue to be woven into the fabric of his life, along with the start-up of Barr Craft Knitting, his own yarn business in Hickory, at the age of 19. He had learned the business from his father, Claude (Toby) Setzer, who operated a Hickory knitting mill during the emerging North Carolina textile boom.

Barry's life picked up considerable speed from a successful run at Barr Craft. In 1972, he became owner and CEO of Regal Manufacturing Company in Hickory, processing spandex yarn for high-end fashion companies.

It was at the reception desk at Regal where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Lee Painter. They were married in 1974 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Valle Crucis. 'Bonnie is beautiful, smart, and compassionate,' says Duree Joseph who has been close to the Setzers for four decades. 'They made a gorgeous couple. They were like our own personal movie stars.'

'The word for Barry is innovative,' says longtime family friend, Joe Mullins.

'He came up with major inventions for the yarn industry, but he made headlines with something completely unexpected. Textile plants release a lot of heat — Barry channeled that heat to the roof of Regal's main plant and had a great ride growin' hydroponic tomatoes up there. The news media loved the idea, and so did the grocery chains that climbed onboard.'

But Barry hadn't forgotten racing. And racing will be a long time forgetting Barry. In the early 70s, he ordered a race car to be custom-built by the illustrious chassis builder, John Buttera. Pat Foster, on his way to becoming illustrious, himself, was hired to drive the red and gold Vega to wins all over the country.

'Pat Foster in the Barry Setzer Vega was baddest of the bad,' wrote Tom West. 'Pat and Barry killed 'em.'

In an interview for the National Hot Rod Association, Barry expressed confidence in his Barr Race Cars team. 'Immediate goals in 1973,' he said, 'are to win everything.' If we read the online 1973 NHRA reportage, that's pretty much what happened.

Barry's custom Vega was quickly becoming a legend in its own time. For three consecutive years, it held the world record for fastest Funny Car. How fast? 227.27 mph.

Pat Foster is quoted as saying 'We went after it seriously on every run, like every run was for the national championship.'

The yarn business was strong in those days, and the cars were earning their keep.

But the real win of Bonnie's and Barry's life would be coming Sept. 21, 1977, when their daughter, Taja Bleu, was born. 'She was the light of their lives,' says Barry's sister, Brenda Furman. 'Barry had his hands full with his business, but he and Bonnie were totally there for Taja in her years of riding competitions all over the country. Taja became a 13-time world champion horsewoman.'

'My Mom and Papa were with me all the way,' says Taja, 'and they loved reaching out and helping others, too. Papa once found a young man sleeping in his factory at Regal. When Papa woke him up, he grabbed a broom and started sweeping. From that day on, he had a job at Regal; he became part of our family. They got him a bicycle that he rode everywhere, and they moved him into a little home of his own.'

From Regal, Barry became CEO at Worldtex, Inc., headquartered in Manhattan with factories in Bogota, Montreal, Normandy, and parts of Asia. 'Barry traveled all over the world for business,' says Bonnie. 'No matter what country he was in or what different cultures he encountered, he always knew how to connect with the locals. He had such appreciation and respect for other ways of life.'

'Fun would be one of the leading descriptions of my brother,' says Jan Karon. 'He once took me for a Sunday drive – we headed straight down the side of a mountain on what's called Staircase Road - which truly lived up to its name. As we entered the valley, there was a big, rushing creek - but no bridge. We forded it, of course, and the water was comin' in on the floorboards and I was scared and Barry was laughin' and I will never, ever forget that day. Goin' most anywhere with Barry was like goin' on safari without a gun.'

In one of the interviews during the racing years, Barry defined himself as an entrepreneur. In 2010, Taja gave him an idea he couldn't resist.

'So, Papa,' she said, 'it would be wonderful to have a little fabric garden bed on my patio instead of a bunch of pots everywhere.'

Ever the innovator, Barry did the research and created Victory 8 Gardens - makers of a folding, take-anywhere fabric garden container in a variety of sizes. Just what his daughter, and thousands of other gardeners, were looking for. https://victory8garden.com.

'Papa had a long bucket list,' says Taja. 'And he and my mom definitely got through most of it, including raising Scottish Highland cattle and cultivating beautiful rose gardens. He didn't get to do the next thing on his list - to go fishing off the Bogue Inlet Pier with J.D., my mom, and me. But I'm so happy he got to see the recent blessing of my marriage at Holy Cross. J.D. and I stood at the same altar where he and my mom were married.'

'Losing my wonderful husband,' says Bonnie, 'was the loss of so many binding relationships. He was also my best friend, my sweetheart, my confidante, and a deep well of courage, fun and compassion that never ran dry. His bravery and endurance through two severe chemo trials were part of his path - and Barry never once forgot Who was directing his path.'

Barry Setzer was born Dec. 25, 1942, and passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. What a lovely man. What a remarkable life. POW.

Barry Dean is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lee; his daughter, Taja Bleu and her husband, J.D. Daleke, of Snowmass Village, Colo.; his brother, Phillip Randolph (Randy) Setzer of Statesville; his sisters, Brenda Furman of Baltimore, Md., and Jan Karon of Charlottesville, Va., and Black Mountain, N.C.; his nephews, David Craig of Baltimore, Md., Randy Setzer Jr., of Hickory, and Courtney Setzer of Statesville; his nieces, Jennifer Gray of Raleigh, Lisa Knaack of Roan Mountain, and Monica Tully of Atlanta, Ga.; many great-nieces and -nephews, and a legion of faithful friends who are literally innumerable.

The family will honor Barry's amazing life in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, we hope you will make donations to the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, as they seek to discover cures for the greatest of our pandemics, https://giving.wakehealth.edu/Find-Your-Cause/Cancer *OCIR Orange County International Raceway, Irvine, Calif. See Barry Setzer's innovative Top Fuel Dragster in Don Garlits' Museum of Drag Racing, Ocala, Fla.

'Barry was a soft-spoken man of his word, and always a gentleman. A better car owner would be hard to find. (He was) the highlight of my career.' Driver Pat Foster, in a 2008 interview.

'He showed us the world wherever we were. He had a smile that would light up a room and warm your heart. We were always surrounded by laughter and adventure when we were together.' Bonnie and Taja Setz.

Salem Funeral Home

120 S Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Published by Hickory Daily Record on Feb. 20, 2022.
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Not sure what to say?





Simply said, Barry will never be forgotten in the racing world! Barry and his team left an indelible mark.

Jeff Q in Cincinnati

Other

February 14, 2024

Was my favorite funny car, at one of my best times of my life. Thanks

Russell Ramirez

September 26, 2022

Just saw this about Barry. Never met him, but as the Photo shows, my parents, Rob and Ginny Furr knew a very young Barry Setzer. Mom and dad lived in the other side of a duplex from the Setzer family on Commonwealth Avenue in Charlotte in the mid-1940´s. She always said Barry was the nicest little fellow and said that´s why she named me after him. To my mom, I guess a rhyming name was close enough to name a kid after someone. RIP Barry Setzer. You had to be a great guy or my mom would have never said that.

Larry Furr

Other

June 16, 2022

Bonnie and Taja, my deepest sympathy. I am so sorry to hear of Barrys passing.. I know there is a huge part of your heart missing. Embrace the wonderful memories you made together.. i will always remember how happy you were when Taja completed your family.. Its been along time Bonnie, but I think of you often.. Melba Jones Floyd

Melba N Floyd

Friend

March 3, 2022

He had a love for life. His drag racing days will be forever remembered. RIP with our Saviour Jesus Christ

Randy Young

February 28, 2022

Meet Barry at US30 dragstrip in Indiana in the 70s at match race.He took the time to talk to me and told me to finish school, respect others, work hard,and don't take anything for granted. God bless you

Eric Mann

February 26, 2022

As a fan and track worker, I got to see Barry Setzer's Vega run at several Mfrs. Meets... Simply the class of the field and rarely beaten. I remember Austin Coil walking out to watch them run.
He remarked that the car was as "first class as it gets". Pat was too...The flames at the finish line are Roof High!...W
From Cleves, Ohio!

Jeff Quatkemeyer

Work

February 26, 2022

Having been in or around drag racing from the early 1970s as a teenager, there is one car that still has me in awe after all these years. It is the Barry Setzer Vega! Thanks for the memories!

Captain Stu Dye

February 25, 2022

Dave Huber

Friend

February 24, 2022

Dave Huber

Friend

February 24, 2022

Prayers to a Great person

Dave Huber

Friend

February 24, 2022

God Speed Barry Setzer, Honda Doug, Condit Bros, Racing.

Doug Woiwod

Other

February 24, 2022

When I look at my Setzer vega picture, I get motivation from the combination Barry, John Buttera, the car builder , and driver , Pat Foster put together based on mutual repect for the talents of all three. If you read the history on NHRA s website , the most amazing thing is John and Pat speaking of Barry's character and politeness, being referred to as a good person by others is the highest achievement attainable in this life.

Chris Heiden

February 22, 2022

We met Bonnie and Barry a few years, ago, in Blowing Rock. They were such a kind, friendly, and dedicated couple. Barry was such a delight to know; honest, analytically accurate, and always looking to improve things. Although forthright in his observations and subsequent recommendations, Barry was graciously humble in his relationship with us. A true Renaissance man. Bonnie, Tanya and I are holding your family and you in the Light. We know how much Barry revered you and your daughter. Rest assured he found peace and a remarkable happiness in sharing his life with you.

David and Tanya Feagins

Other

February 22, 2022

One of my racing heroes ... race in peace brother

Robert S Hall

February 22, 2022

My name is Leigh buttera, my father was John Buttera. I am so sad to see Barry's passing. The time our families spent together was huge! I have a Setzer car sitting in my front room as I write. The Setzer/Foster/Buttera days were the very best of the best. Please know that in our house Barry is often spoke of and fondly recalled. I hope my dad and Foster have had a chance to rekindle a moment with him upon his "arrival".

leigh buttera

February 22, 2022

My Father Pat drove Barrys race car and held Barry very high regards as in working for him but more as a man. I have fond memories of a summer at his place on lake Hickory and staying out by the factory. I spoke to Barry a few years back and he was the fine person i remembered as a boy. RIP

cole foster

February 22, 2022

Prayers sent

Dave Huber

Other

February 22, 2022

Worked 19 yrs for MR SETZER at Regal the nicest man you would ever want to meet R.I.P God Speed

Ed Mason

Work

February 21, 2022

Really hate to hear this. Barry and my oldest brother were close friends. Barry lived down the street from us. He would pick me up in his Corvette and bring me home from school. Always a hard worker and a class man.

Milton S Good

February 21, 2022

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr.Setzer, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Howard C. Stirewalt
Hildebran, NC

Howard Stirewalt

Other

February 20, 2022

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