John H. Barnett III, 67

Published 1:24 pm Thursday, January 10, 2013

JANUARY 8 – John H. Barnett III, 67, went home to his Lord on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 as he departed his home in Farmville with his family by his side. John Henry, aka Barney and “Pop” was born June 3, 1945.

He could accomplish anything he set his mind to do but especially treasured his work with horses, building and gardening. At an early age, he worked alongside his dad as a carpenter, work that they both loved. He also enjoyed his years with horses especially, and later in life was recognized as the Monroe Street staple, enjoying his riding mower and vegetable and flower gardens that he continually showed off to his beloved grandchildren and neighbors. His flowers were adored by all who experienced those blooms on Monroe Street.

Mr. Barnett strongly supported the hard work of Meals on Wheels, and so appreciated his caring support staff and doctor who respected him always. He praised friends, neighbors and family for their concern and caring, never failing to assure all that he was doing well and fighting the tough fight. His caring way and faith in the Lord were widely shared.

He is survived by his devoted wife and very best friend Mary (Ritter) Barnett; his loving children, Shannon Nurse, Megan Barnett, Johnny Barnett, Jeffrey Barnett, Janelle Barnett and Josh Barnett; numerous nieces and nephews; his adoring grandchildren who will never forget his hugs, walks and stories; and his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Thom Waltman of Colora, MD. He was preceded in death by cherished family members including parents, Ollie Gray (Judy) Thompson (Barnett/Parlier) and Charles S. Parlier Jr, Jarrettsville, MD; and father, John H. Barnett II of Bristol, TN predeceased him in 1946; younger sisters, Pamela (PeJay) Pijanowski of Red House, and Joy Parlier, Street, MD; brother, Ronnie (Ronald Lee Barnett), Aberdeen, MD; and mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Gladys Ritter also of Maryland.

At his request, no viewing service will be held. The family will hold a Celebration of Life service on Tuesday, January 8, at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Farmville.

Please pray for and remember him, his family and all those who fight cancer when you see yellow daffodils, the flower of hope for cancer patients.

Condolences and Celebration of Life Service donations may be sent to his family at 707 Monroe Street, Farmville, VA 23901. Any remaining funds will be donated for cancer research and survivors, Meals on Wheels, and yellow Daffodils for Monroe Street.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com