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Obituaries
Francis Gerald “Gerry” Barrack
Francis Gerald “Gerry” Barrack passed away October 18, 2022 at 82 years of age.
Gerry was a native of Hampton Va. and sought higher education from Emory & Henry, VMI, and VPI.
He occupied himself with many endeavors and pursuits during the course of his life. Among those he was a surveyor, custom home builder, boat and motorcycle racer, Harley Davidson dealer, entrepreneur, hot rod and performance car builder and restorer, motorcycle event promoter, machinist, welder, fabricator, inventor, engineer and innovator. He gained his greatest notoriety as a Harley Davidson expert and authority from his many years of working with antique, custom and high performance Harleys.
He was a lover of history, antiques, nature, architecture, travel and adventure. He derived much satisfaction from the bushes, shrubbery and flowers that he planted and tended on his property.
He was a man who enjoyed the many friendships that he had cultivated in his life, who gently lead and guided those around him, and served as an example, inspiration and mentor to many. He conducted himself and his affairs in a straightforward, honest and respectful way. Strove to be “correct” in all things, and to pursue excellence and perfection.
He found great pleasure, pride, and satisfaction in his family, loved them dearly and basked contentedly in their love, joy and accomplishments. The strength of his personality and character inspired devotion and service from many of his family and friends. He found comfort and happiness from them in his final months.
In Cynthia Binder, he found the enduring love of his life. A woman strong enough to be his partner, yet tender and caring enough to be his companion. A woman who would both challenge and support him, who would care for and nurture him, without smothering him. Together, they built a fine life.
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Bernice Barrack, his in-laws Sam and Ruby Binder, His brothers Ronald and Reginald Barrack, His sister Bernice Woodmansee, his great nephew Christopher Barrack and brother in law Butch Morris.
He is survived by his devoted wife Cynthia Binder Barrack, his daughter Karen Harwick, his daughter Carla and her husband Charles Barrett. grandchildren Brook, Joan, Carin, Nathan, Mishal, Omar and Dallal. great grandchildren Leeanna, Caleb, Sophie, Jake, Rosie, Afton, Julian, and Dawson, nieces and nephews Rod, Jennipher, Tom, Michelle and Tammy, and his sister in law Wilma Morris.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
A reception of family and friends, for the occasion of remembrance and celebration will be held Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the home of Roderick and Carrie Barrack 9546 Glass Rd. Hayes, Va. 23072. Those with motorcycles, classic cars and hot rods are requested to drive them on that occasion.
7 Comments
Cindy, Rod, Carrie and Family,
Gerald will certainly be missed and I will especially miss his sly sense of humor and willingness to point out what is ridiculous in our world! He was such a figure of glamour and mystery to me when I was a child! I well remember his arrivals at family gatherings and I always felt as if “James Bond mixed with Steve McQueen” had just rolled up into the party! I don’t know if he knew that is how many people saw him because he was also calmly reassuring to those in his orbit. Gerald was the definition of a “Renaissance Man” and so interesting to converse with no matter the occasion. He will leave a void as all truly original people do. I will miss him and you all are in my prayers as you miss him too.
I know I can speak for all my family. I have such fond memories of Gerald at all our family reunions & get-to- gathers. He took me for my first & only motercycle ride at a gathering in Mathew’s years ago!
He’ll be missed by all his Atkins cousins in Va. Beach. Our love & thoughts to you, Cindy & also Rod & family.
May you ride those sky’s with my brother and I father Tom Ort. May the wind forever be flowing through your hair and the sound of your pipes be forever heard across the globe! My family and I give our sincere condolences of this great loss. Jerry I will miss every thing about you! You are one of the greats! I love you brother and you will never be forgotten
Cindy and Family,
You are all in our hearts and prayers. Gerald was a true original. I think I was only 4-5 years old when I saw him pull up in a shiny red Corvette, I’ll never forget it, he was “Cool”. His sincere ability to listen and respond in a positive way to people of all ages was rare. He was a righteous Man, and this world is a lesser place without him. We love you All.
My heart goes out to Cindy, my sisters Carla and Karen, my nieces and nephews, and all of Gerald’s family and friends. My mom always spoke highly of Gerald and I feel lucky to have met and spent time with him over the past few years. In the brief moments I shared with him he was very welcoming, genuine, interesting, intelligent, and caring. This is truly a monumental loss for everyone close to Gerald and I pray for your comfort during this difficult time and always. God bless.
I am deeply saddened by this news. Please accept my deepest condolences. I will keep you all in my heart and in my prayers. God bless 🙏🙏
Jenny (Todd) & Damian
Dear Cindy, my heart goes out to you for the loss of your unforgettable mom and your husband just a few years later. Reading about your husband, the wonderfully written obituary that gives outsiders like me a picture of the man, his wide interests, talents & intelligence. You’re described as strong and tender. May the love and caring from your many family and friends continue to be a support and source of peace now and always.