Rev. Charles O. Barrett

Rev. Charles O. “Buddy” Barrett, age 72 of Corner, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday May 4, 2014 at his residence. A champion of the message of Jesus, Charles lived his life to bring hope, love, grace and freedom in Christ to all he encountered. His giving heart and joyful countenance drew many to call him friend. A retired minister with the Church of God, Charles was recently serving as the Senior Adults Pastor at Sumiton Church of God. During his many years in full time ministry, Charles served in pastoral support positions and offices such as lead pastor, district overseer, pastor and evangelist. He had the pleasure and honor of being elected by his peers to serve in Church of God leadership positions on the State Youth and Evangelism boards. He served many summers at the state camps, as well as serving at Pathway Press of TN. He found true joy and fulfillment in serving others in the name of Jesus Christ and making the family of God a large one. His heart’s desire was to see people’s lives changed by the power of Christ’s true love, “I just wanted to be used by God”, Charles said many times. His first love was Jesus, then his wife and family. He is the very proud father of seven children. Two of his children enjoy successful careers, one of which owns his own thriving business. Five of his children have been effective in ministry. Along with their minister husbands, his four daughters minister as lead pastors, associate pastors, worship leaders and in numerous ministries that accompany the positions they serve. One son leads the media team at the church were Charles served. He truly led a full and meaningful life and inspired his family to do the same. Homegoing celebration will be Saturday May 10, 2014 at 11:00 am at Sumiton Church of God. Rev. Martin Taylor will officiate. Burial will follow at New Horizon Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Friday night 6-8 pm at the church; and on Saturday one hour prior to service time. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie Lee and Ruth Barrett; brothers, Billy Barrett, Tommie Barrett, Pastor James Barrett and Curtis Barrett; and brother in law, Paul Coker. Left to cherish his memory and live out his legacy are his wife of 42 years, Mary Barrett of Corner; children, Tim Barrett (Terry) of Gardendale, Mike Barrett (Jaimee) of Alabaster, Chante’ Gable (Brian) of Cullman, Chalene Rester (Justin) of Northport, Chare’ Rester (Mike) of Cleveland, TN, Charele Faulkner (Shaun) of Tuscaloosa and Charlie Barrett (Jennifer Houston) of Hoover; 20 grandchildren, Coty, Joey, Dylan, McKenzie, Alia, Allison, Austin, Isaac, Kaiya, Caedan, Emiley, Garrett, Isabella, McKeean, Killian, Khaleia, Amariah, Preston, Landon and Erica; 5 great grandchildren, Caden, Lokie, Khloe, Ezra and Sophia; sister, Gertrude Coker and sisters in law, Mae Barrett and Sue Barrett; several other relatives and a host of friends. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him counted the relationship as a cherished one that changed them and their perspective for the better. As one family friend said “he was a giant among men”. He will be greatly missed, but we know this is not the end. We WILL see you again Charles! Flowers and gifts may be sent to the Sumiton Church of God. All contributable gifts may be made to Sumiton Church of God. The gifts will serve to foster the housing needs of an orphanage in Colombia that the church regularly supports. New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home, Dora directing 205-648-2323

Rev. Charles O. Barrett

February 24, 1942 - May 4, 2014