of North Little Rock, AR
December 7, 1935 - July 15, 2014
John Arthur Barnett, 78, of North Little Rock passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2014. He was born in Wetumpke, Alabama to the late Robert Leon and Maudiebelle Barnett. John was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Frances Dennison, Margaret Lynn, Georgia Ann Cobb and Robert E. Barnett.
John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Peggy Barnett; daughter, Sherrie Shollmier; grandson, Tripp Shollmier; also the mother that raised him, after his biological mother passed away Cecil Barnett; siblings, Marie Posey (David) of Ardmore, TN, Sue Martin of Killen, AL, Winfred and Betty Traylor of Sweetwater, AL, Earnest Jordan of Sweetwater, AL, Morris Jordan of Union Town, AL and Madoline Thurn of Livingston, AL; and many beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Known for his positive outlook on life, John had a great sense of humor and a compassionate heart. He befriended everyone he met, and was the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Though the last several years had been challenging health-wise, John remained optimistic and felt as if he would be able to get up and go again. He always had his ''going shoes'' on and was up for any adventure that was presented to him.
John was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church, North Little Rock. He retired from the Air Force- where he had great stories from his travels! He was a Past Master of Big Rock Lodge #633, Past Worthy Patron of Jewel Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. He served as an advisor and enjoyed working with Masonic youth organizations.
John loved his pets, and was always rescuing animals in need. He loved flowers and working in his yard.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2014 at First Freewill Baptist Church, 2001 Parkway Dr., North Little Rock, AR Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, AR. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR (501-791-7400).
The family would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Jack Fendley and his nurse, Kathy as well as everyone at Arkansas Hospice. You all are greatly appreciated and have been a blessing to us.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116 or Arkansas Alzheimer's Association, 10411 W. Markham, Suite 130, Little Rock, AR 72205-1409.
There's not enough of good things I can say about this man. I was always invited to his home, and his wife and daughter (Sherrie) was always good to me. They are the most kindest and giving people I knew back then. I remember the stories he told me, and seems like yesterday. He was a big part of our lives as young teenagers in the Demolay. God Bless him and his family.
Peggy and Sherrie
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Dad "B" was a very important person in both our lives, during our DeMolay and Rainbow years. He was an important part of so many young peoples lives through the years. He will be missed, but not forgotten by all those lives he touched. God Bless you and all your family.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. John gave so much of himself to others. As someone who benefited from his generosity, at such an important, formative time, it's difficult to express how thankful I am that he was part of my life. The gift of his time, graciousness and wisdom will not be forgotten. He was a shining example of how to make a difference.
My deepest condolences and I send you strength and courage to get through this difficult time. John will be greatly missed by so many.
Love, Guy
So sorry for your loss.
"My Little Movie Star", I know you
will stay by Peggy's side, and if
at any time anyone needes a
shoulder to lean on, I have two.
"Crennie"
Peggy, so sorry I cant be there. John was my newfie buddy. Been thinking about him and you.
Lots of thoughts of some of our experiences in Newfoundland. One in particular keeps coming to mind. I will share it with you next time.
Remember what I told you yesterday, John is still talking with St Peter and we all will join him & Sgt LeGrow soon.
God Bless
Peggy and Sherrie..... We share in your grief at the loss of "our" John. John was truely a man that made you feel like family. Some of our best memories are of running the roads of Arkansas with you and John. Rest in peace John, we will see you again on the other side.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Peggy and Sherri thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with all of us. Love Cindy (Wood)
What a great man and mentor! NLR DeMolay was Dad B!! Enjoyed Barney and mom Peg very much. God bless you and thanks for the memories!
Dearest Peg, Sherrie and Tripp, We are so sadden to learn of John's passing. As he is part of our family too, we feel the loss as much as you do. Please know that
our hearts and prayer are with you at this time as thay have been in the past months of your stress. Peggy, you know that we are always been here for you anytime you might need us. Please keep all the good memories alive. We shared so many wonderful times together. Especially, when John would tease us that he dated me in Tampa that HE was Jerry's rival when John was stationed in Tampa at the AFB and Jerry was in Alaska, before he met and married you. He got such a charge out of that. I will sure miss his loving humor. He would really get so proud when he "thought" he taught me to use the computer. God, all the great memories. We could talk for hours. All our kids love him and the memories they have will live on and on. He has always been a HERO TO DEPEND ON! WE WILL ALL MISS HIM - BUT WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.
Remember, we love you. Call any time.
All our love and prayers. Many fun memories with Daddy B! I miss him very much.
I will always remember the time he spent with all the demolays and rainbows.
Another good man gone to his reward; condolences to friends, family and generations of DeMolay boys he helped raise. Dad Smith
Uncle is loved and will be greatly missed but the Barnett name will carry on. That was his and dad's fondest wish. My prayers and heart is with you now.
Peggy and Sherrie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you both during this difficult time. What a wonderful legacy has been left behind by this sweet and caring man. All of the lives touched by his loving heart are better because of his example. Thank you for sharing your husband and Dad with so many of us over the years. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand.
A most precious man has gone home. I was blessed to see both he and Peggy in WalMart recently and chatted with Barney for quit a while.
I love and will miss this man.
Peggy, my heart is with you.
Love to you all. Thanks for the memories and mentoring Daddy B
Rest in Peace, Dad B! Your life, love and many examples live on in those of us who were privileged to know and love you.
Dear Peggy & Sherrie,
My thoughts are with you at this time. John was one of the kindest souls I have met in my lifetime. A good father & husband for you. Much love and prayers for you. Tracy
Our love to Our Chapter Dad. What a sweet, loving and kind man!
To Our Chapter Mom, Sister Peggy, know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. Your love, dedication and strength has and is exemplanary!
Love,
Sheldon and Kathie
Peg, Sherrie, and Tripp:
We all knew him as Dad. Peg and Sherrie as "Daddy": Tripp, as "Poppa". Hunderds, if not thousands of young men in Arkansas DeMolay, as "Dad B". That's how I first met him. I could never know that later in life we would become such friends and colleagues as DeMolay Advisors,, traveling many miles and working countless hours in the "quarries". As Masons, we say we are builders. John was a Master Craftsman in shaping the lives and characters of the boys who grew into men while in his association. But, his interest was not limited to young men. He also cared so much for the Rainbow girls. So much that he had ben honored as "State Dad" by both. Of all the honors he had received, he treasured those among the highest. Farewelll, Dad Barnett.