Billy Hershel Barrett was born on May 26, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Lawrence Harlow Barrett and Ella Mae (Wallace) Barrett. He passed from this life on August 20, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his children.

Billy graduated from Central High School in 1961 and attended Oklahoma State University before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1962. He trained in Communications and Electronics and served with the Marine Support Battalion as a Radio Operator in conjunction with the National Security Agency and the Office of Naval Intelligence, where he held Top Secret Security Clearance. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued his passion for aviation by enrolling in flight school at TulsAir Beechcraft School of Aviation.   During his 38-year career as a professional pilot, Billy flew for Standard Oil, Tandy Industries, TulsAir Beechcraft, Mapco Petroleum, and United States Aviation, piloting various aircraft including Gulfstream, Falcon, Learjet, and King Air. In 1997, he founded Barrett Aviation, managing and flying Gulfstream aircraft for RIKIO Company Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan. He hung up his wings in 2005.

Billy was a licensed skydiver and enjoyed jumping out of airplanes almost as much as he loved flying them. He was a proud Marine and rarely seen without his cherished USMC hat. He traveled the world visiting every country, but two and found joy in reading, good cigars, Coors beer and his daily crossword puzzle. He built lasting friendships, especially with his golf buddies, and looked forward to his biweekly golf foursome. He leaves behind many dear and close friends. Above all, he will be remembered for his passion for flying and his love of golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Lawanda and Kenneth Burger; and his brother, Robert Barrett. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Dana Thetford & Leon Goff, Connie & Steve Fitzgerald, Ted & Susan Barrett, and Tamra & Robert Winter; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, as well as two nephews.

A private graveside service will be held under the direction of Ninde Funeral Directors in Tulsa, with close family and he will be laid to rest with military honors at Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Folds of Honor at www.foldsofhonor.com or your local VFW in Billy’s memory.

Ninde Funeral & Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com