Dr. Hoshall Stafford Barrett, Jr.

Hoshall Stafford Barrett, Jr., M.D., born on January 31, 1939, to Hoshall Barrett, Sr. and Susan Barron Barrett, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, after a remarkable life dedicated to healing and service. 

A trailblazing physician, Dr. Barrett earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 1966. He completed his internship at the University of California, San Diego, and his residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans before becoming a founding partner of SMB Radiology. Dr. Barrett made history as the first doctor to bring angiography among other interventional procedures to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, transforming countless lives with his pioneering spirit and compassionate care.

Between medical school and private practice, Dr. Barrett served with distinction in the United States Army as a battalion surgeon with the elite 101st Airborne, 2/506 Infantry, during the Vietnam War. His bravery and dedication earned him The Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Combat Medic Badge. His courage and commitment extended from the battlefield to the bedside, where his sharp intellect and warm presence left an indelible mark on patients, colleagues, and friends.

As a faithful Catholic man, Dr. Barrett lived his life guided by his deep faith and devotion to God. Above all, he was a devoted family man, cherishing 55 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Rose Merle Failla Barrett. He leaves behind his three children, Hoshall Stafford Barrett, III (Rebecca), Retta Barrett Wagner (John), and Suzanne Barrett Maguire (Brian); three bonus sons, Teddy Rose (Lauren), Todd Stennis, and Dr. Bert Boroughs (Melissa); his sister, Carolyn Couch (John); his sister-in-law, Terry Reymond (Leon); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, three of whom—Jack Wagner, Hannah Beth Wagner, and Rhaya Wagner—he joins in heaven. He is survived by grandchildren Roselynn Barrett Wagner, Barrett Patrick Maguire, Riley Elizabeth Barrett, Rosemary Barrett Wagner, Mary Etta Maguire, and Emma Rose Maguire. His family remembers him for his unwavering love and joyful presence at every gathering.

On Friday, October 24, 2025, a visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport, MS, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM. A burial will take place at 2:00 pm in Lakelawn Cemetery (Avenue P) in Metairie, LA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. James Catholic Church or your favorite charity.

Dr. Barrett’s life left a profound and positive impact on the world through his healing hands, steadfast faith, and boundless love. He always said that he was going to “die with his boots on,” and he did.

A heartfelt thank you to Alfred Simmons, Dr. Fred Pakron, and many other friends and colleagues for their love and care of Dr. Barrett over the years.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.