Victor R. Barnett Jr. was born on April 8, 1972, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Gwendolyn Barnett and Victor Barnett Sr., who lovingly welcomed him as the only child of their union. Bearing his father’s name marked the beginning of the well-known “Victor name game” among family members. As he grew older, the first question atContinue Reading
Victor R. Barnett Jr. was born on April 8, 1972, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Gwendolyn Barnett and Victor Barnett Sr., who lovingly welcomed him as the only child of their union. Bearing his father’s name marked the beginning of the well-known “Victor name game” among family members. As he grew older, the first question at the start of many confused conversations was— and still is— “Now do you mean Big Vic – are you talking ‘bout Little Victor or Lil-lil’ Victor, which Vic did you see?”
As a young child, he had a very calm, quiet, soft-spoken demeanor. Little Victor was loving and craved affection. He was often under the care of his older sisters, who were all teenagers when he was born. Most recently, he referred to Katrina, 13 years his senior, as his real “Momma.”
After his parents’ divorce in the early 80s and his father’s remarriage, Victor finally had a sibling born in his generation living at home. Leslie and Victor were so close in age that they were like Irish twins and shared a strong bond, even though she beat him up all the time.
Little Victor was raised in East Cleveland and Cleveland Heights neighborhoods. He attended both Caledonia Elementary and Kirk Jr. High schools. Sometime before high school he adopted the name Victor “Diaz.” Influenced by his older sisters’ and brother’s strong sense of school pride, he also developed an attachment for the mighty Shaw High School! No matter how busy he got later in life, Vic remained a loyal and consistent supporter of the annual Shaw High Alumni Reunion activities. A Cardinal 4 Life! Black and Red were his favorite color combination.
Also, while in high school, he developed a hard-working attitude and work ethic cleaning cleats at the Canterbury Golf Club. In the Barnett household, every able-bodied person of age was expected to work, period. Victor Sr. was firm about that.
Shortly after his 1990 Shaw High School commencement, Victor Jr. graduated from Lincoln Electric School of Welding. He was hired on and began his career as a welder. Big Vic was a proud papa and let everyone know that his son followed in his footsteps.
In the fall of 1990, he went to a haunted house with his brother from another mother, Johnnie and Johnnie’s girlfriend and she introduced him to Catherine “Kitty” Williams. After that night, they started dating, and in June he escorted Kitty to her prom.
In 1993 she gave birth to his only child and namesake, Victor Williams. He also came into this world with the same calm, loving spirit.
That same year, Victor decided to pursue a career in real estate investing. Fueled by his desire to create a legacy for his son, he purchased his first home, a duplex. He was an instant landlord at the age of 21. Vic chose to live in the attic apartment and rent out the first two floors, all while diligently educating himself in technical and hands-on skills to stay current, including welding, home remodeling, property maintenance and preservation.
In the late 90s, the fearless Victor “Diaz” decided he would become a record producer and turn his financial goals into a reality. He was working a full-time job, continuing his education, doing his own renovations and maintenance on his properties, all while running his record company. He named it Felarod Records Discography. There are conflicting stories as to where he got that name.
In 1999, he produced the first of two hip-hop albums called It’s About That Time Compilation. It is rumored that some of his rap artists received air play on local radio.
Eventually something had to give. After 20 years of clocking in, Victor realized it was time to stop building for others and use his time to pursue his own dreams of prosperity. He was offered a business opportunity to renovate homes on a full-time basis and said goodbye to Lincoln Electric. He was the prime example of “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” And just like that, Felarod Home Remodeling LLC was born.
HOLLA or better yet, $Cha- ching!
Victor loved all sports including motorsports. The Cavaliers, Browns, and Indians were among his favorite teams. He worked hard and made time to enjoy the rewards, allowing himself the kinds of toys and hobbies most grown men dream about. He loved to travel. Don’t threaten him with a good time on a cruise. One of his favorite cities to visit was Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Most recently, Victor and his sister Sharri spoke regularly about an upcoming 54th birthday trip to Dallas with friends and family planned for next month.
Victor had a special relationship with all his siblings. He looked forward to celebrating the all-class reunions with his oldest sister Victoria. He also enjoyed meaningful conversations with his brother Michael. Vic worked side by side with his brother Antoine and their dad doing home renovations for years. All three were welders.
He was a quiet, peaceful man, never one to argue or make judgements about other people and their choices. He would just smile, shrug his shoulders and say ‘yeah’. That is unless he was talking to his favorite nephew, Damion. Only seven years apart in age, they would talk and argue for hours, and hours, and hours. His favorite niece, Tiffany, and cousin Rob (deceased) would often join in on those extremely loud conversations. Vic loved to mentor and share his wealth of knowledge with his son and apprentices.
He packed a lot of life into his 53 trips around the sun.
Victor Jr. loved his family, and we love Victor Jr. If you really knew him, you couldn’t help but to love him.
Sadly, on March 14, 2026, Victor quietly slipped away to eternal rest.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gwendolyn Barnett and Victor Barnett Sr.
Cherishing his memory is his son, Victor Williams; his granddaughter; Harmonii Williams; grandson: Kyrie Williams; sisters: Victoria Beasley, Sharon Wiggins (Gregory), Katrina Aqeel (Rasheed), and Leslie Baxter. Brothers: Antoine Barnett and Michael Baxter; bonus mom: Beverly Barnett. Uncle: Raymond Barnett; aunts Barbara Barnett-Harris and Brenda Barnett; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Victor is also survived by his loving partner, Tamika Lovett-Whitted who will deeply miss him.
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