Kenneth Barrett

Mr. Kenneth Dee Barrett, 66, of Woodbury passed away January 12, 2026. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee on December 11, 1959. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Barrett, brother, Ricky Barrett, stepbrothers, Steven Ladd and Gary Ladd.

He is survived by his father, Lofton Dee Barrett, brothers, Jerry (Susan) Barrett and Steve Barrett, sisters, Sherry Barrett and Gina (Dennie) Frazier, stepbrother, Danny (Rita) Ladd, several aunts and uncles, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Being born into the Barrett family meant you had a lot of love and worked hard. He was the oldest of his siblings and always exhibited a quiet and easy-going nature. He left school before graduation and set out to make his way in the world. Starting out he landed a job milking cows for Clyde Todd. He worked there for quite a while, until he got interested in plumbing by working with his uncle Jimmy. Jimmy taught him the ropes, and it wasn’t long before he hired on with W.W. Plumbing. He stayed with them for several years, then struck out on his own.

Whenever a family member or friend had a plumbing issue, Kenneth was the go to. He would help get the problem solved and when he was done, there wasn’t a bill waiting. He would do it from the kindness of his heart. He was always willing to help anyone. When someone did something to help him, he would go on about how thankful and grateful he was for them and their help.

Though he was quiet, he would often add something to the conversation, especially when the subject of God or the Bible was being discussed. Dee and Joan made sure to raise their children in the love and admonition of the Lord. Dee is and has been a member of the Sunny Slope Church of Christ his whole life. The children were brought to church there as well. They wanted the children to learn about God and to know their Lord Jesus Christ. Kenneth was baptized by Clyde Todd at Sunny Slope. It goes without saying that fact greatly increased his chances of landing the milking job.

Kenneth always had a fondness for classic cars. Back in the day he had a sharp ’63 Impala and a Corvair. Once when his nephew, J.D., was staying over at Kenneth’s grandparents, J.D. accidentally broke the windshield on the Corvair. He was scared that Kenneth was going to be angry. When Kenneth got home, he took it like a champ. He didn’t get mad or excited, he told J.D. not to worry about it. Those cars didn’t take precedence over his family. He liked going to drag races, the Rod Run, or just the local cruise in to see those cars and reminisce about the good old days.

Over the years he faced many trials and challenges. Some he won and some he lost. Whenever he lost a battle, he picked himself up and tried again. His parents taught him right from wrong. During the last few years his health began to fail. His family encouraged him to go to church and stay focused on God. Recently his brother, Jerry, was preaching at Sugar Tree Knob Church of Christ and convinced him to come. Kenneth came to church and asked for forgiveness, to be sure he was right with the Lord. His family can thank God that Kenneth found his way back to the path.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 12-2 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. John Barker will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to Sugar Tree Knob Church of Christ. Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.