MOURNERS left legendary actor Ray Barrett's funeral yesterday as his voice crooned through the chapel singing 'guess there's no use in hanging around'.

The Gold Coaster's intimate farewell was punctuated by bursts of laughter as people recounted funny quips from the 82-year-old actor who died last week.

His widow Gaye Barrett fought back tears as she told family and friends at the Allambe Gardens funeral service she had lost her 'friend, hero and soul mate'.

"He was a wonderful, generous human being, funny and very bright," she said.

Mr Barrett's son Reg also spoke about the father who taught him to fish and play cricket.

Author Bob Ellis was among those at the service and Mrs O'Brien has received phone calls of condolence from actors including Nicole Kidman and Hugo Weaving.

Mr Barrett's acting career spanned decades and continents with his latest role starring in the Baz Luhrmann's epic Australia at the age of 80.

He appeared in theatre, on TV and in cinema and won a host of awards, including Australia Film Institute awards and a Logie.

His extensive resume included roles in Don's Party, The Thunderbirds, Goodbye Paradise, Hotel Sorrento, All Saints, White Collar Blue and After the Deluge.

He was married three times, his first two marriages ending in divorce.