Richard Paul Barrett

Richard Paul Barrett, age 66, of Bel Air, MD, died suddenly, at home of a major, irreversible cardio-pulmonary incident on January 3, 2012. Born in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Clarence Sebrell and Lillian Braswell Barrett. Mr. Barrett is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pamela Gay Bowen Barrett; son, Brandon Paul Barrett of Charlottesville, VA; daughter, Lesley Carter Barrett Smith and husband, Jason Albert Smith, of Abingdon, MD; brother, Clarence Sebrell Barrett Jr. and wife, Nadine, of NC; and grandsons, Grant Barrett Smith and Carson Turner Smith of Abingdon, MD. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his aunt, Laura Braswell, who helped raise him.

Dick received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Old Dominion University in 1967 and his Master's Degree in Inorganic Chemistry from the College of William and Mary in 1970. After completing his education, he served as an officer of the Chemical Corps in the U.S. Army for 10 years during the Viet Nam conflict and continued serving his country as a civilian chemist for the Department of the Army for an additional 26 years. He finished his career in the Chemical Material Agency working Treaty Compliance after which he retired in 2007. He then began his second career taking care of his two grandsons along with his wife, Pam. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and was a past member of Bel Air United Methodist Church.

Dick was a lifelong Redskins' fan and a recent Raven's fan. He loved playing, bridge, telling stories, and Jeopardy. He always won. Dick was a nurturer who taught in two underprivileged, underfunded schools in Virginia while completing his education and awaiting induction in the Army. He taught his children what they may have missed in school, he did everything for his wife for 42 years, and his grandsons were the love of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.