Johnnie “Merle” Barnett, 72, of the Sardis community passed away Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020 at Cullman Regional Medical Center.
He was born Aug. 20, 1948 to Kermit and Era Barnett.
Merle loved his family, especially his wife, son and grandchildren (who called him “Paw Paw” or “Pops”). He loved his community and fire department. Merle was the last charter member of the Sardis Volunteer Fire Department, for which he worked countless hours building the new fire station and working on the fire trucks.
Visitation will be Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 from noon-2 p.m. at Sardis No. 2 Baptist Church, where the service will be held at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery. Brother Jeff Wiggins, Brother William McClellan, and Chief Brett Rodgers will officiate.
Merle is survived by his wife of 53 years, Juanita Blackwood Barnett; son Billy Barnett; grandsons Will Barnett and Kile Weaver; honorary grandsons Cole and Connor Thompson; sisters Shelba (Wayne) Burgess and Regina (David) Maske; brother Alan (Teresa) Barnett; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kermit and Era Barnett and nephew Timmy Barnett.
Pallbearers will be Larry Sherer, Steve Jones, Vestes South, Steve Powell, Brett Rodgers, and Tyler Powell; and honorary pallbearer Donald Dollar.
