Thomas William Barnette

Thomas William Barnette, 96, of Russellville, widower of Mary Alice Russell Barnette, passed away Sunday August 22, 2021.

William was born May 8, 1925 in Russellville, a son of Thomas Henry Barnette and Julia Mimcey Mills Barnette.

A devoted husband to Mary Alice for over 72 years, they shared a very special bond and raised four sons together making their home in the Russellville Community. William was a life long member of Russellville Christian Church where he served as an elder, past Sunday school superintendent, cemetery coordinator and sang in the choir.

After graduating from St. Stephen High School in 1943, William joined and proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII. He was employed by Berkeley Electric Cooperative for 30 years, working as the Supervisor of Meter Readers and Collectors and retiring as Office Manager. He was also a past member of the American Legion Post 247.

William was admired by all who knew him for being a man of great faith, strong work ethic and loyal in every area of his life. He enjoyed reading his bible, books about historical events, telling war stories, work stories, traveling and visiting with family and friends. Each day he enjoyed nature while walking his property and keeping a watchful eye on things. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are four sons- Michael Barnette and his wife, Linda, of Russellville; Mark Barnette and his wife, Wendy, of Russellville; Perry Barnette and his wife, Pam, also of Russellville; Kevin Barnette and his wife, Donna, of Moncks Corner; six grandchildren- Layne Barnette, Thomas Barnette, Stacey Dupree, Lisa Smith, Josh Barnette and Kevin Wadford; sixteen great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a son- Tommy Barnette; three sisters- Lois DuBose; Sophie Crawford; Catherine Crawford and three brothers- John Dutart “JD” Barnette; Furman Barnette and Ellie Barnette.

His funeral service will be held at Russellville Christian Church Wednesday August 25, 2021 at 1 o’clock. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the church cemetery, directed by Russell Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:30 until the hour of service.