Edward John Barrett Jr.

Edward John Barrett Jr., age 75, passed away on August 26, 2023. He was born in Evanston, Illinois, and raised in Winnetka, Illinois, in the northern suburbs of Chicago. After graduating from New Trier High School, he attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, where he studied and majored in political science and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. After graduation, John returned to Chicago and began working in the business of television syndication sales, a field he would excel in due to his friendly, personable demeanor and easygoing, optimistic attitude. He rose in the ranks at Worldvision Enterprises, Inc., eventually moving to Atlanta, Georgia in 1993 and becoming the company’s VP southeast regional manager, successfully selling popular shows like Judge Judy and Beverly Hills 90210. He continued working in tv syndication until his retirement in 2022.

In his personal life, John had four passions: golf, the Chicago Cubs, jazz, and family. An avid golfer since childhood, John was a single digit handicapper for many years and was a member of both Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park, Illinois, and Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, a passion he inherited from his mother and passed along to both his sons. When the Cubs finally made it to the World Series in 2016, John was there to witness their historic win. He also inherited a love for jazz music from his parents and compiled an extensive library of jazz vinyl records & CDs throughout his life. He frequently attended live jazz shows at various clubs in the cities where he lived and visited. His family and his lifelong friends will miss his easy-going demeanor, his kind and gentle spirit, and his unwavering loyalty.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Frye Bettendorf, and father, Edward John Barrett. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Adkins Barrett of Brookhaven, Georgia; his two sons, Edward John Barrett III and Andrew Thomas Barrett, both of Atlanta, Georgia; and his sister, Marilyn Ennis Barrett (Cathy) of Pinehurst, North Carolina.

A memorial service is planned for John at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mt Vernon Rd Dunwoody, Georgia 30338 on Tuesday, September 26 at 11 am. A reception will follow at the Atlanta Athletic Club, Merion Room, Johns Creek, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: University of Miami, Division of Development and Alumni Relations, PO Box 025388, Miami, FL 33102 or online at: everbrighter.miami.edu; or Marist School, 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Atlanta GA 30319 or online at marist.com/onlinegiving. Please note “in memory of Mr. Edward John Barrett Jr” in memo line or comment section of your gift.