Funeral service for Howard Sylvester Barnett will be Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 1PM at Curtis and Son North Chapel with the Rev. Jeff Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11-1 at the funeral home.
Howard was born on February 10, 1936, in Talladega County, Alabama. He passed away on December 29, 2025, at the age of 89. He was a resident of Sylacauga, Alabama.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Brenda Gail Taft Barnett, and his children: Teresa Gay, Jerry Wayne Gay (Heaven), and Brooklyn Gay (Chris). His surviving siblings include Esther Goswick, Roger Barnett (Judy), Hazel Ragsdale, and Jeanette White. His grandchildren are Crissy Noe (Stephen), Landon Gay (Lexi), Shaina Tracy (Zack), Heidei Gay, Angel Brand, and Gabrielle Boyett (Austin). He also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren, along with multiple nieces and nephews.
Howard was predeceased by his father, Howard Stanley Barnett, his mother, Mary Abrams Barnett Conn, and his siblings, Bobby Barnett, Rudine Hosey, and Nina Murphy. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Wendy Prickett, and his son, Kevin Barnett.
Howard retired from Avondale Mills in 2003, he then worked on the Board at Heritage South Credit Union for over 56 years. He was a devoted family man who valued the people he loved above all else. His wife, Brenda, was the love of his life, and together they build a family rooted in love and devotion. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and found great joy in their accomplishments. His eyes lit up each time they walked in the door. Soft spoken and gentle, he was known for his quiet strength and kind spirit. He especially cherished his afternoon calls from Jerry Wayne, a simple routine that meant the world to him. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting and found peace in nature, where many treasured memories were made with Landon, Brooke, Chris, Shaina and Paul. His love for family, the outdoors, and life's simple moments will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Barnett, Landon Gay, Chris Jackson, Paul McLain, Austin Boyett, and Stephen Noe. Honorary pallbearers include Chaddix Jackson, Dakota Jackson, and Kris Barnett.
We want to say a Big thank you to Jhanna and Sandy at New Beacon Hospice and Dr. Khadir for always taking such great care of him.
