Hugh Lee Barnette

Mr. Barnette was born September 2, 1918, in Moline, Illinois. He was the son of the late Lonzo Lee Barnette and Annie Johnson Barnette. He was raised in Wilkes County and resided in Statesville, prior to moving to Cleveland, in 1995. He served in the US ARMY 104th Infantry during World War II, was part of the second wave at Omaha Beach, and was honored for meritorious service in the European African Middle Eastern Theater.

Mr. Barnette attended Cochran Street Baptist Church and Eastside Baptist Church in Statesville. He loved visiting Myrtle Beach (“Aunt Myrtle” to those who knew him) and people watching. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, singing along to gospel music, which his family loved hearing, and making trips to Brushy Mountain to provide his family with the best apples he could find.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Barnette was preceded in death by his sisters, Lois Poole, Ocie Mae Hayes, and brother Cecil Barnette.

He is survived by his children, Mike Barnette and wife Joy of Cleveland, NC. Karen Barnette and husband Helge Eng of Loomis, CA; Grandchildren, Michelle Barnette Nance, husband Tim Nance and son, Garret of Salisbury, Melissa Barnette , husband Davey Prevette and daughter Calli of Cleveland, Annie Barnette and Bradley Mobley of Mooresville, Maia Eng, Julie Eng, and Leif Eng, all of California; sister Dorothy M. Hayes of High Point; mother of his children, Wilma Fox of Cleveland, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:30pm, Saturday, October 12th at Bunch Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville, NC.

Funeral service will be held 2pm Sunday, October 13th, 2013 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Cleveland, NC. Pastor Josh Grizzle and Chaplain Brad Borders, officiating. Pallbearers are Mr. Barnette’s nephews, Timothy Hayes, Fred Poole, David Poole, Donnie Poole, Clay Poole and John Poole. Honorary Pallbearers, Dan Kerley, Rohe Winchell, and two longtime friends Frank Patterson and Ray Sloop. Burial will follow at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in North Wilkesboro, NC.

At all other times the family will be gathered at the home of Mr. Barnette’s son and his wife, Mike and Joy Barnette.

The family would like to extend thanks to Amanda Bryant, Heather Evenden, Debbie Osman, Amber Williamson, Tender-Hearted Healthcare, and Hospice of Iredell County for helping care for Mr. Barnette in his final days.

Friends wishing to make memorials in honor of Mr. Barnette may do so to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.