Amory Jackson Barrett, Commerce, passed away February 29, 2020. He was 58. After a sudden illness, Mr. Barrett died at Emory University Hospital surrounded by family, with nephew, Charlie Barrett, playing the guitar.
Born in Athens, GA on October 12, 1961, Mr. Barrett was the son of the late Charlie Barrett and Johnnie Ruth Jackson. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Linda Sue Barrett and Brenda Barrett Palmer and his aunt, Rachel Jackson.
Growing up in Commerce and later Winder, Amory graduated Winder-Barrow High School. He attended the University of Georgia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He was also a collegiate athlete, participating in track and field competition.
Amory, known affectionately as Bubba to friends and family, wore many career hats throughout his life but music was his passion, and his career of choice. He was given a set of drums at the age of 10 but his parents soon grew tired of the constant noise. The drum set disappeared and an acoustic guitar took its place, and the rest is history. Self-taught, Amory became an excellent guitarist, a true perfectionist. Using various methods, including the glass and copper slide, he incorporated elements of folk, country, rock and blues into his playing and performing, thus developing his own unique style of music genre.
Not only an accomplished musician, Amory wrote more than 250 songs in his lifetime. A skillful wordsmith, he sometimes wrote a lyric in only a few minutes. He always said, “When the words come quickly, it’s usually some of my best work!” He performed for over 30 years at various venues throughout Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. He truly lived larger than life and his music will live forever.
In addition to playing guitars, Amory also enjoyed building replica Fender Stratocasters. He was always tinkering away with his projects, trying to achieve the best sound possible. Other hobbies included charcoal artistry and drawing, magic tricks and inventing jokes. No one could tell a joke (That dog lies!) quite like Amory. His laughter was irresistible and brought smiles to everyone around him. He loved spending time with family and friends, as well as his four-legged pal, Parker.
Mr. Barrett is survived by his wife and lifelong friend, Elizabeth Benton, daughters, Marissa Sellers (Tyler) and Aubrey Barrett, both of Greensboro, NC, brother, John Barrett of Savannah, grandson, Ryder Sellers, niece Paige Palmer Tatum (Casey) of Cleveland, nephews, Lee Palmer of Cleveland, Christian Barrett and Charlie Barrett, of Atlanta and three grand-nieces, Anna Tatum, Ally Tatum and Caroline Tatum.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 9th at 2p.m at the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with John Barrett, Tommy Benton and Allen Vickery officiating. Interment will follow at Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5 – 7p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home in charge of services.
