John "Jack" Erwin Barrett

John Erwin “Jack” Barrett passed away on Thursday, June 5, in his hometown of Manassas, VA at the age of 95. Jack, the eldest of four boys, was born on May 9, 1930 to John Erwin and Jessie Marie “Wolfe” Barrett. He grew up on the family dairy “Sunnybrook Farm.” Jack graduated from Augusta Military Academy in 1950. After a short time at home, he enlisted in the Army, and spent time in Japan as a military policeman. He was shipped out on his way to the Korean War when the Armistice was called. He later returned to the States and college at VA Tech. As a US Veteran, he also served in the Army Reserve. Following college and marriage to “Betty” (Elizabeth Sumner), Jack established his own business Barrett Construction & Realty Corporation. He along with his brothers built the Sunnybrook Homes community. With his heavy equipment, Jack was involved with many developments in Northern Virginia and DC. Later, the brothers built Sunnybrook Golf Range which Jack managed before his retirement to Floyd County, VA. All who knew Jack know that he cherished the family farm in Floyd where his wife Betty was born, and where they spent many of their most wonderful times together. He never forgot his dreams of farming in Floyd. Jack liked the freedom of having his own business and appreciated the many employees he had throughout the years, whom he considered his extended family. He was known for mentoring and helping many people, particularly though the work he led. This brought great joy and satisfaction to him throughout his life. Very importantly, Jack loved and respected the craftwork done by his father in building the Sunnybrook barn and uniquely recognized barn silos. Jack and Betty were married for 68 years this coming August. Together they raised their three children, along with extended family, “adopted children” and a menagerie of pets – all loved dearly by them both. Jack is survived by Betty who he adored and shared a lifetime of precious memories, and his children, Lindsey Bailey (Jeff Bailey) of Virginia Beach, Lydia Barrett (Robert Geib) of Reno, NV, and Jeb Barrett (Bonnie Gelacak) of Manassas. He is also survived by grandchildren Ashley Bailey, Barrett Bailey Keeling (Alex Keeling), Sarah Geib, Noah Geib, Max Barrett, Alex Barrett and Eli Barrett, in addition to many cousins, extended family and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Gene Wolfe (Mary Jane and Judi), Daniel (Annie and Joann) and Robert (Carol), a nephew Mark Barrett, and brother-in-law David Sumner. A memorial service will be conducted Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Manassas Baptist Church, 8800 Sudley Road, Manassas. A Celebration of Life will be held that day at 2:00 PM at Sudley Club, 8613 Rixlew Lane, Manassas, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jack Barrett to Manassas Baptist Church, 8800 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20110.

John "Jack" Erwin Barrett

May 9, 1930 - June 5, 2025