Ross Paige Barrett was born on May 25, 1922, in Cambridge, Ohio. A scholar and athlete, graduated from high school in 1940 and earned a scholarship at Wilberforce University, where he planned to continue both his studies and his football career.

As a member of the Army ROTC program at Wilberforce, Barrettwas called to active  duty in 1943. He served with distinction during WWII combat operations in Italy with the 371st Regiment of the 92nd Infantry Division, earning the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Mediterranean Theater of Operations Ribbon with two battle participation stars.

After the war concluded, Barrett married Allison Lightfoot Warrick in 1946. He continued his military career until 1963. Following his service, Barrett earned his bachelor's degree from Central State University and completed graduate studies at Kent State University.

He became an instructor in industrial arts and made history as the first African American assistant principal at Springfield South High School. After retiring in 1982, he continued serving the "Wildcats" as a part-time faculty member. Barrett remained deeply involved in the Springfield community through numerous volunteer roles, including the NAACP and United Way. A licensed pilot, he was serving with the Ohio Civil Air Patrol at the time of his passing on January 3, 1985.

His legacy lives on through the Ross P. Barrett Memorial Scholarship at South High School; his home street of Oakwood Place is now named "Ross P. Barrett Way," and The Springfield Cadet Squadron 702 of the Ohio Civil Air Patrol, which proudly bears his name.

Barrett was originally buried at Ferncliff Cemetery in the WWII annex, and was moved to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. in 1988.