Jerry Barras

Jerry J. Barras, 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, October 9, 2015 due to a long illness. He was born on October 25, 1940 to Margarette Connie Barras in Nashville and raised by his loving foster parents Marvin "Unc" Harrison and Lola Crowder Harrison in the small town of Minor Hill, Tennessee. A loving father, grandfather, father-in-law, and friend, Jerry is survived by his two sons Joey Barras (Rosalia) and Billy Barras (Sherry), his daughter Anita DePasquo (Tony); and grandchildren Kristen DePasquo, Kaitlin Barras, Allie Barras, Ryan DePasquo, and Selena Barras. Jerry is preceded by his parents and his beloved late wife of 25 years, Linda R. Barras. Jerry is known for his kind, generous, giving, and loyal heart. He was there for his family and friends whenever they needed him, offering whatever he had, even if it was just a caring ear.Jerry worked hard from a young age on his family farm tending to the needs of the animals and the farm before and after school and after Sunday church. He was raised in a difficult time period shortly after the World War when food and money were scarce, and children did not have the luxury of playing as children do today nor did they have enough time to spend together as a family. There was always something that needed to be done. This strong work ethic proved to be an asset as he became older and joined the workforce outside of the family farm. Over the years he served the customer well with his high quality and loyal standards to places like Genesco, where he met his wife-to-be and later had three wonderful and healthy children, providing a home for his family. He retired from Dixie Bearings Inc, now Applied Industrial Technologies, where he was known for his excellent customer service as a driver for over 25 years with rarely a sick day, and where he was specifically requested by the customer many times to deliver the product due to his professionalism and loyalty. The day he retired and no longer had to "dress for work", get up super early, and drive through horrendous weather conditions, was a very celebrated day remembered by all. After retirement, he moved in with his daughter and her family and instantly became a significant part of a new and loving dynamic with years of memories to cherish. Seeing the many hummingbirds visit the family's deck will always be a reminder of the special father and daughter times sitting together enjoying the view and discussing "life". Jerry LOVED NASCAR. He was a devoted and loyal Earnhardt fan (Sr.& Jr.) although he admitted Kyle Busch was a very talented and experienced driver. He looked forward to racing season and would never forget when the race was on. He was ready to hear the drivers rev their engines at the starting line with the TV remote in one hand and a Michelob Lager in another. Another past time of his was enjoying nature. He loved taking trips to "the country", which was located in the small farming neighborhoods of Minor Hill where he grew up that still didn't have paved roads or a cell signal. That was his getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and to reminisce about his childhood family and friends. If he was lucky, he would see an old friend from many years back and catch up on old times. Otherwise, he'd bask in his beautiful surroundings and be entirely content.Jerry was alive to witness many economical, political, industrial, and cultural events in U.S. and World History. The one advancement he was not ready for was the computer age. If it required a computer, he wasn't doing it, which suited his nature-loving, small town personality well. He was truly a man who marched to his own drum.Jerry was greatly loved and admired and will be missed by many.His family will gather together in a private Celebration of Life service on his birthday, October 25, 2015.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203 or to one of these children's charities of your choice in memory of Jerry J. Barras: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Children’s Hospice International.