John H. Barnette, age 90, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023.
Mr. Barnette was born on May 2, 1933, in Madison County, Comer, Georgia to the late Will D. Barnette and Docia Lord Barnette. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Will Ed Barnette and Kenneth Barnette, sisters, Hazel Payne and Margaret Power. He was the last of his immediate family.
Mr. Barnette served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany for two years during his four years of service. Following active duty, John moved to Habersham County, where he worked full-time with the Army Reserve Unit in Cornelia. John met his wife, Janice Hill Barnette and they were married in 1961. John and Jan joined Level Grove Baptist Church, where they have remained lifelong members for 62 years. John served in several positions at the church, including Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Treasurer. He joined the Jack Bradley Agency in 1963 and was the owner from 1970 to 2019. John was active in his community, being involved with Boy Scouts, and also was a founding member of the Habersham County Wall of Honor for Veterans. John was a loyal Kiwanis Club Member for many years and served in various positions, including President.
Having been raised on a cotton farm in Comer, John had a love for farming which continued throughout his life. John could always be seen on his tractor, plowing and tending to his “larger than needed” garden. In fact, he planted and cared for his last garden at the age of 89. In addition to gardening, John enjoyed carpentry and woodworking. Most importantly, John was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
In addition to his loving wife, survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Rodney Herrin, of Cornelia; Carol and Stewart Swanson, of Alpharetta; grandchildren, Jonathan Herrin and his wife, Emily, Janna Kay Swanson, Kelley Swanson, and Jessi Herrin; great-grandchildren, John Hampton Herrin, Price Herrin, and Bennett Herrin.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Dr. Brian James officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with Rev. Steve Fenlon officiating.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Level Grove Baptist Church or to the Habersham County Wall of Honor for Veterans.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
