Barrett Lee Attix

Barrett “Barry” Lee Attix, of Lincoln, DE, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on September 26, 2025. He was 89 years old.

Born on August 8, 1936, in Smyrna, DE, Barry was the son of Oscar and Kathryn Attix. A proud graduate of Smyrna High School’s Class of 1955, he served as senior class president.

As a teenager, Barry began working part-time washing cars at the Ennis & Deakyne Ford Dealership in Smyrna. With dedication and a strong work ethic, he rose through the ranks to become the dealership’s Service Manager.

In 1961 Barry was introduced to Gloria Swanson on a blind date, and the two quickly became inseparable. They were married six months later in Gordon, TX and went on to build a beautiful life together, raising four children. After a brief time in Richmond Virginia, they settled in Lincoln, DE, where Barry worked faithfully as the Parts Manager at Fitzgerald’s Auto Salvage for thirty years.

Barry was known for his infectious sense of humor and fun-loving, jovial spirit. He could always be depended upon to crack a joke or tell a funny story to elicit a smile. A gifted tenor, he lent his voice to various church and community choirs over the years. Music was a constant presence in his life, and he was often found humming, whistling, or singing one of his cherished old tunes. Barry was a lover of all things baseball, and his connection to the sport followed him through each season of his life - from listening to Philadelphia A’s games on the radio as a child while recovering from rheumatic fever, to cheering at his sons’ countless Little League and school games, to meticulously building fantasy teams in friendly rivalry with his brother.

His most unwavering dedication, however, was to his family. He “lived for his kids” and considered each of them to be his life’s greatest treasure.

Barry was a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal brother, and a cherished friend. His presence will be missed deeply.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Noah Barrett Attix. He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Rev. Gloria Attix; his children Bryan Attix, Michael Attix and his wife Kim, Joyce Attix Mentzer and her husband Todd; his daughter-in-law, wife of Noah, Jennifer Attix; grandchildren Kristin Fitzhugh, Kassie Donovan, Cole Attix, Lauren Mentzer, Nicholas Mentzer, Nathaniel Attix, Emmaline Attix; and great-grandchildren Aubrie, Kaylie, Kenzie, Carson, Ryder, and Jett. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Roger & Deena Attix.

Plans for a memorial service to celebrate Barrett Attix’s life are forthcoming and will be shared with family and friends when available.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a contribution to Delaware Hospice (www.delawarehospice.org/donate/memorial-gifts) or to the Wounded Warrior Project.