Barrett Johns Williams

Barrett Johns Williams

Passing away 25 December 2023 at home after a month-long struggle with kidney failure, his son brought him home one week prior, where he could be at peace in his own home. Born in Bottineau, North Dakota, 20 September 1930 to the parents Ferd and Esther Williams. He was the oldest of three boys. Growing up in an idyllic town of Bottineau, he often spoke of his Grandfather Andy Williams who started Williams Drug Pharmacy in 1910. His father would take over running of the Pharmacy and install a popular soda fountain. His grandmother Hermina Williams was noted for her hearty German cooking. Summers were spent in the Turtle Mountains, north of town where his parents had a modest cottage on Lake Metigoshe. Hunting with his father was a big part of his early adulthood. He was an accomplished Eagle Scout. Barrett spoke often of his memories while visiting his mother's parents Dr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Johns in Velva, North Dakota. Barrett loved to talk about family history.

After graduating from High School in 1949, he went to the forestry school in town for two years. In the summers he worked for the US Forest Service in Northern Idaho in the Clearwater National Forest, working with a team to control White Pine Blister Rust.

Barrett enlisted April 1951, Basic training at U.S. Naval Training Center-Great Lakes, IL., Entering USN, 1st Marine Division. He served in Korea 1952 to 1953 as a HM3-Hospital Corpsman Medic near the battle of Bunker Hill and the Inchon River. Barrett was honorably discharged April 1955 on Treasure Island, CA. He was very proud to a be Marine. Semper Fi.

Following his time in the Marines, Barrett attended the University of North Dakota in Fargo, North Dakota to study medicine. Once Barrett realized the long hours and late nights weren't for him, he attained a Bachelors and a Masters in Geology and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. His first employment was with Pan American Oil of Indiana in 1960. He was sent to Montana to do exploratory drilling.

He met his future wife, Billie Jo Andrew in Columbia Falls, Montana while doing geologic field work for Pan American Oil. They were married a short time later in 1960 at Billings, Montana. Shortly thereafter he was transferred to Denver, Colorado. They had two children Eric and Lynn, both born in Denver. In 1965 he was offered a job with Marquette Cement Manufacturing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Barrett and Billie's marriage ended in 1969 but remained friendly assisting in raising their children.

In March 1970, Barrett started his new employment with Southern Railway in Washington, D.C. as an industrial geologist. He loved being a geologist, it gave him the opportunity to be out in the field to study and map the environment. Once the Southern Railway corporate headquarters moved to Atlanta, Georgia, he made his residence in Tucker, Georgia for 43 years. He retired July 1998 from the railroad putting in 28 years. Barrett was reluctant to retire. As he enjoyed his job and being out in the field and having a routine. He was a former member of American Institute of Professional Geologists, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Member of the 1st Marine Division Association, and the American Legion.

Barrett was a dedicated supportive father, who loved his children who were his pride and joy. He religiously wrote a letter once a week to his children and made a phone call on Sunday mornings. His greatest hardship was the loss of his daughter, Lynn Williams Estrada. Lynn was a horse jockey and was fatally injured in a horse racing accident, August 1984 at Exhibition Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She was married 9 months before to Jorge Estrada. Lynn was the light of his life, as she was so vibrant, and she loved life.

Barrett traveled extensively around world. River cruises were one of his favorite trips to do in Europe. His favorite past times were road trips with his son Eric, where they shared their interests in geology and history, as well as exploring old mining towns in Montana, Washington, and Oregon. They traveled to North Dakota, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina a few times on road trips together and. did some trips researching family history, visiting court houses, distant relatives, cemeteries.

Barrett's brothers preceded him in death: Rodney in 1991 of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and David in 2014 of Astoria, Oregon. Leaving his son Eric, and his partner, Brett Estes of Renton, Washington and Astoria, Oregon; His former wife Billie Andrew of Renton, Washington; Nieces Cari (Mark) Jones and Lisa (Doug) Clark both of Raleigh, North Carolina; Niece Michelle Williams of Ilwaco, Washington; Nephew Jeff (Gayle) Williams of Concord, North Carolina; Nephew Kirk (Jean) Williams of Naselle, Washington; Cousin Victoria Johns Shorr (Frederick) of Coto de Caza, California; Cousin Stephen Phillips of Canon City, Colorado; Cousin Debby Williams of Chicago Illinois; and Son-in-law Jorge Estrada of Phoenix, Arizona.

Barrett loved his neighborhood, and he will be missed being seen on his morning walks. That is what kept him going and keeping active. He liked his social time on his walks and his presence will be missed.

The family would like to thank Bridgeway Hospice of Lawrenceville, Georgia for their efficiency and attentiveness at helping bring Barrett home to make his transition more comfortable. Much gratitude also goes towards all of Barrett's neighbors whom he appreciated and enjoyed. The family also greatly appreciates the neighborhood support given during Barrett's last days.

There will be a Celebration of Life later at Tucker Brewing in Tucker, GA. January 13th, Saturday between 2 and 4.