William Barrett, the grandfather of AMA Superbike points leader Ben Spies, died Wednesday at a hospital in Dallas, Texas, at age 83, after a long illness. A viewing has been scheduled for 7:00-9:00 p.m. Friday at Sparkman-Crane Funeral home on Garland Road in Dallas. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to Mr. Barrett’s 501(3)c foundation, Love For Kids, 6260 E. Mockingbird Ln. Suite 230, Dallas, TX 25214, 214-426-5683, www.lfk.cc . Mr. Barrett’s official obituary follows: William D. Barrett Civic Leader and Philanthropist Dies William Durelle “Bill” Barrett, eminent Dallas businessman, civic leader and philanthropist died on July 26, 2006. Bill was born on July 5, 1923 in Buford, South Carolina and was raised by his mother Eugenia Jones Barrett in Meansville, Georgia. He graduated from Gordon Military College and attended Southern Methodist University. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he worked for the F. B. I. in Washington D.C. When he met the love of his life, Margaret “Babe” Powell, he moved to Dallas and went to work for S. H. Lynch and Company. Bill and Babe married on August 22, 1946 and celebrated forty three years of marriage. They had five children and eight grandchildren. His wife, Babe Barrett, preceded him in death along with his two brothers Jack Barrett and Luther Lafayette Barrett. Bill Barrett was renowned in the beer industry. He was president of the Lone Star Beer Distributorship, and in 1966, along with his partner, became the first distributor for the Adolph Coors Company in Dallas. Willow Distributoring, Inc. grew to become one of the largest Coors distributorships in the country, and subsequently acquired S. H. Lynch and Co., where he first started in the beer business. Throughout his life he was involved in numerous civic and humanitarian efforts spanning the globe from Bosnia to the Bahamas and from Mexico to Calcutta. Bill was particularly devoted to civic efforts to improve Dallas. He continued a passion he shared with his wife, Babe, for caring for underprivileged and sick children, particularly children with cancer. Twenty eight years ago he was co-founder of Love for Kids, a charity that annually hosts the largest children’s party in Texas during the Christmas holidays. Throughout the year Love for Kids provides activities and donations for the needy, youth and seniors. The annual Senior Citizens party has provided hours of fun for hundreds of people. Bill generously gave his time and financial support to many local charities including the Children’s Hospital, Southwestern Medical Research, Parkland Hospital, Baylor Cancer Center, the Foundation for Craniofacial Deformities, the Criminal Justice Program and Journey – an anti-gang program. His donation to Dallas County enabled the Trust for Public Land for Dallas County to purchase 225 acres in South Dallas (the Lemmon Lake Preserve) for a development similar to Bachman and White Rock Lake. He was fiercely proud of his country, state and city, and he donated to charities on all three levels including underwriting the Texas Historical Society. In recognition of some of his significant philanthropic contributions, Bill Barrett was awarded many honors including: “The Linz Award” for civic service awarded by the Dallas Morning News and Linz Jewelers; the Catholic Foundation’s “McGill Award”; the Naitonal Association of Social Workers’ “Public Citizen of the Year Award” the “Volunteer of the Year” award presented by the Volunteer Center of Dallas; the “Champion for Children” award presented by the Texas Coalition for Juvenile Justice; and the “Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year” by the National Society of Fundraising Executives. From civic, cultural, historical international and statewide concerns, to medical research and the beautification of Texas roadsides, Bill Barrett left his mark on many. His energy, compassion, faith, charm and his smile will be missed. The world has lost a wonderful true southern gentleman. Two of his favorite biblical quotes were, “What ever you do the least of my brother, you do unto me” and “Love one another.” He leaves behind his beloved family – Children: Bill Barrett, Jr. of Dallas; Margaret McIntyre of Dallas; Mary Spies of Longview; David Barrett of Dallas; and Martha Zamorano of Dallas. Grandchildren: Jennifer Hernandez, Rob Barrett, Michael McIntyre, Nick McIntyre, Lisa Spies, Ben Spies, Nathan Evans, Teresa Evans and Ryan Zamorano. Additional surviving relatives include: Son-in-laws: John McIntyre and Jose Zamorano. Cousin Nelli Ruth McGahee and Brother-in-law William Powell. Nephews: Bob Cross, Charley Cross, Gordon Powell, Clay Powell, John Powell, Paul Michael Powell, Ben Powell, Lewis Powell, Phillip Barrett. Nieces: Jean Cross, Cherie Chenault, Lani Anderson Barrett and Margaret Vallejo. Friends and parents of grandchildren: Lauren Barrett and Henry Spies. Devoted secretary and friend, Beverly Nalley. Visitation at Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday. Funeral services will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3815 Oak Lawn, Dallas, Texas at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 29, 2006. Private interment will follow. Pallbearers: Bill Barrett, Jr., David Barrett, John McIntyre, Jose Zamorano, Mike Nalley and Bob Cross. Honorary Pallbearers: Vick Muzzarelli, John Patterson, Marty Davis, John Lee, Gene Emery, Pat Bishop and Ed Campbell. Consistent with his charitable spirit, his final request was that, in lieu of flowers, all donations should be made to Love for Kids, Inc., 501(C)(3), 6260 E. Mockingbird, #230, Dallas, Texas 75214, 214-426-5683. The Love for Kids’ mission is “to enrich the quality of life for the young and young at heart within the Dallas Metroplex who are in need of benevolent services.” Charity is a virtue of the heart, and Bill Barrett’s virtuous heart lovingly embraced those who were in need. He will be missed by those named and unnamed who benefited from his loving gestures. As he was taught from his childhood, he left this place in better condition than he found it. SPARKMAN/CRANE FUNERAL HOME 10501 GARLAND ROAD, DALLAS, TEXAS 75218 214-327-8291