MSGT Robert Wayne Barnett, United States Army (Ret.), passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, June 25, 2015. He was 86 years old. Robert was the son of the late Bert and Bonnie Barnett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Leslie Hamilton Barnett.
Robert was a native of the Cove Creek area of Roan Mountain and was a graduate of Cloudland High School and later of Steed College. He was a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Army and a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, also serving tours of duty in Alaska and Berlin, where he assisted with guarding Rudolph Hess in Spandau Prison.
He was a 32nd Degree Mason as well as a member of the Scottish Rite and Shriners. He also served a term as Past Master of Roan Mountain Masonic Lodge No. 566 F&AM. A beloved ROTC and Military Science instructor, he taught at Elizabethton High School in Elizabethton, Tenn., Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tenn., and West Oak High School in Seneca, S.C. He was a long-time member of East Side Baptist Church in Elizabethton, where he served as deacon and Sunday School teacher. A lover of music who played multiple instruments, he was charismatic, with a unique sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, June Dale Chambers Barnett; his three daughters, Cheryl Barnett Snapp and husband Thomas Snapp of Blountville, Tenn., Andrea Barnett Ragan and Brian Ragan, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Linda Barnett and husband Edward Cord of Fairfield, Connn.; seven grandchildren, Caroline Snapp of Memphis, Tenn., Landon Snapp of Knoxville, Tenn., Julianna Snapp of Blountville, Tenn., Bryson Ragan and Spencer Ragan of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Gustav Cord and Truman Cord of Fairfield, Conn.; his sister, Wynona Barnett Holland of Elizabethton, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of MSGT Robert Wayne Barnett, United States Army (Ret.), will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, June 28, at East Side Baptist Church in Elizabethton with Rev. Jeremy Rhoton officiating. Music will be provided by Jon Shell, bagpiper. The family will receive friends at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, prior to the service, or at the residence at anytime. The graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Thomas Snapp, Brian Ragan, Edward Cord, Landon Snapp, Bryson Ragan and Spencer Ragan. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at East Side Baptist Church, 1509 Siam Road, Elizabethton, Tenn., at 9 a.m. Tuesday to go in procession. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Barnett family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.