Published in Seneca Journal:

Barrett remembered by CUMC pastor

In 2017, Lander University announced Barrett was retiring after five years as the dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs. He spent more than 38 years in education, publishing 80 pieces of work in textbooks and academic journals such as the Palmetto Business and Economic Review, the university said in a news release.

“I have enjoyed working with faculty in a dean role here at Lander,” Barrett said in June 2017. “This was the most enjoyable part of my academic career.”

He held faculty and administrative positions at Clemson University, Francis Marion University and South Carolina State University before going to Lander.

Barrett was also a member of Clemson United Methodist Church. CUMC senior pastor Rev. Tommy Wilkes told The Journal that Barrett was “an incredible person and a wonderful servant of God.”

“As we all stand in shock by the wake of this tragedy, we continue to stand as people of faith, thankful for the gift of eternal life in Christ and truly thankful for Bob’s positive impact on those of us who remain,” Wilkes said. “Our love, condolences and prayers are with the family.”

Gus, Debby, Bob, and Tiger at a benefit in memory of Debby's son.

Memories written by Bob's Pickleball family:

The world was a better place with Bob in it.

Bob’s smile was infectious!

Bob knew my name from Day 1 and always invited me to play- even though I was learning.

He was a great guy! Gonna miss him

This is such sad news because he was such a bright star always. Whenever you saw him regardless of what he was doing he had a wonderful smile and something kind to say. I will miss seeing him around the neighborhood and on the pickle ball courts.

Bob always encouraged me during play and was SO positive all the time. We are going to miss him very much.

A wonderful person!!!!

He was always so welcoming from day one, inviting me to play, giving encouragement when I was not doing well, praised me when I hit a good shot.

A sweet kind soul.

Will be missed sooo much

Prayers to his family

Bob was a wonderful and fun per son to play with. He will be truly missed.

Such a great friend! He will be sorely missed!

He was so patient & kind. Gave great instruction & loved a strong game, too. He’ll be missed.

Such a nice person on and off the court. He always would encourage you with positive feedback while playing.

Bob was a delight to be around. I am sorry to hear of his passing. He was a very positive person and always gracious.

Always one of my favorites to play with from day one. He radiated kindness and encouraged all the time. So blessed that I got to know him and have him in my life even if for a short time. Just played with him this past Monday and I will treasure that last game. God speed Bob. I’m betting you can start a Pickleball league in heaven and teach Jesus how to hit those sideline shots you were known for. 

Bob was one of my FAVORITE pickle ball partners because he taught me a lot about the game and how to move quickly and go for that ball! But mostly because after every single shot I made, he had a positive and encouraging comment! He made his Christianity be know through his words, his attitude and his actions. Bob will be both remembered and missed! 

Oh my gosh this is so sad! I visited with him a few weeks ago when Clemson UMC hosted Anderson District officer training. He came over and asked me where I’d been because he hadn’t seen me at PB lately. I told him about my knee injury and he was so sincerely concerned. I thanked him then for his kindness and teaching me the game. The last time I played with him he came to the net and told me that it was the best he’d ever seen me play. He was such a great guy!

I’ll miss him terribly at PB  Prayers for his family

I loved coming to watch them play and my little buddy Scott loved to play pickleball with him! He was so sweet for taking his time and teaching him. His family will be in my thoughts

Bob lightened up the room and a real quality new friend. ( PB court too). We are at a loss. Bob is remembered in all our lives. I’m so sad for Bob’s family. A life cut short! May memories of Bob remain forever. Comfort us forever.

Thank you Bob for always being an example of kindness and love. He always gave great advice and was a friend to everyone.

He was such a sweet person and kind to everyone. I will miss him like so many others will.

This was truly a good man. Gonna miss him

Devastating news. My heart aches for his loss. Our prayers for the family & our friends

This is such sad news because he was such a bright star always. Whenever you saw him regardless of what he was doing he had a wonderful smile and something kind to say. I will miss seeing him around the neighborhood and on the pickle ball courts

Only known Bob a few months from pickleball. Such a nice man and good player, he will be missed. Prayers to family and friends.

He was always so welcoming when I played. One of the good ones he will definitely be missed

In my short time here (about 1.5 years), I happened to meet Bob a few times. We first met at a dinner at the CUMC (yes that is the correct address) last year.  He was wearing UNC garb which caused this Dukie to immediately start a "conversation". Since I was new here and it is the South, I kept the kidding light. Being the gentleman that he was, he did the same despite their trouncing us in the previous two basketball games.

We met a few times since in passing, and it he always had a smile and friendly word. I distinctly remember the last time I saw him: Feb 25 at Littlejohn when Clemson outscored Syracuse by 25. I was standing watching the game and he passed in front of me with a group. Without a word, he tapped me on the shoulder and waved back at me. I felt amazed that in this huge coliseum, someone recognized me. Furthermore, I thought how cool that these arch-rivals were rooting for the same team! 

I believe I met Bob very soon after he retired – so 5 or 6 years ago? He was incredibly sweet, kind, friendly, generous, and helpful. He was one of the stronger players, I was a weaker player. I noticed that he frequently invited the weaker players to play with him and then encouraged them. Every time he invited me – and it was frequently – I had a huge smile on my face for the entire game! I loved watching his incredible footwork and shots. We will all miss him terribly.

I remember Bob and talking about his time at Lander University.  He noticed my Lander t-shirt (my son was attending Lander).  He would ask about my son regularly (my son graduated from lander in 2021).  After that first introduction we played together numerous times.  He was always friendly and a great, encouraging team player/good sport.  My condolences....

A stand up guy.  I loved Bob. A true gentleman in EVERY way.

He was so kind and sweet, and I enjoyed playing with him.  Last week I didn't get to play with him, but he said he'd save a game for me the next time.  Bittersweet.  He will definitely be missed.

Bob was the sweetest person ever and I will miss him not being there.  He was so kind to everyone.

Always so encouraging. I loved playing Pickleball with him. He definitely will be missed.

I always enjoyed playing with him. Great sportman!