Opal H. "Uncle Billy" Barrett, Jr. was born at the now-Montgomery General Hospital on June 11, 1959 to O.H. and Flora C. Barrett. He was educated at Beards Fork Elementary School and Montgomery High School, where he was elected president of the freshman class. He actively participated in the Special Olympics Program, where he earned placement on the team to represent West Virginia at the International Special Olympics in South Bend, Ind. He won several gold medals and was pictured in Sports Illustrated Magazine.
Opal was raised in the love and admiration of the Lord. He attended Sunday school and worship services at Emmanuel Tabernacle Baptist Church of Beards Fork. He enjoyed music, dancing and making people laugh. To know him was to love him.
Opal was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Sam, Joseph, Daniel and Howard Barrett and Carl Chambers; and also by three sisters, Lula Mae Thomas, Catherine Parham and Helen Carr.
He leaves to cherish his memories two sisters, Martha B. Coleman and Betty J. Barrett; James (Tabitha) Hall, Destini Murray-Hall; a host of nieces and nephews; other family members and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Special Olympics Foundation of West Virginia.
A celebration of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Beards Fork, with the Rev. Herman James officiating.
O'Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent at www.odellfuneralhome.com.