Mr. James William Barnett, 95, of Cherryville, NC passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at his residence. He was born on June 27, 1925 in Gaston County, NC to the late Brady Barnett and the late Cleo Lowery Barnett.

James grew up in Gaston County and attended Gaston County Schools.

James enlisted in the United States Army in 1945 where he served almost 2 years in World War II. During his time in the Army, he earned the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal and Good Conduct. After his honorable discharge, James returned to civilian life. James met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Sims Barnett, on August 16, 1951. They were married for 61 years until her death in 2012.

James joined Rudisill Chapel AME Zion Church at a very early age. He remained a devoted and faithful member there until his health began to decline. He served in many different capacities over the years at the church including the Lay Council, Class Leader, Leader of Leaders, Steward, Men's Choir, Ministry of Kindness, Usher Board, Usher Board Treasurer and Trustee. Mr. Barnett was Rudisill Chapel's Oldest Member.

James was employed at Howell Manufacturer for 45+ years where he was a Forklift driver and Truck Driver. He also worked many years with Ben Stroupe building and transporting pallets.

James enjoyed being outdoors from sun up to sun down and would often be seen on his riding lawn mower cutting grass whether at home or other family or friends houses. He loved being the "Supervisor" when jobs were being done at his home or family/friend's homes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Sims Barnett, sister Myrtle Barnett Adams, brother Leon Barnett and a host of aunts and uncles. He is also preceded in death by several special friends: Homer White, Nishie Whitworth, Jimmy Allran, Thomas Patterson, Keith Harris, James Benson, Jack Byers and Harvey Patterson.

Left to cherish fond memories of him are his four children: Pastor Bobby Giles (Mae) of Gastonia, NC, Glenda Barnett, Janet Farley (Aldric) and Michelle Barnett all of Cherryville, NC; one sister, Virginia Herndon of Lincolnton; six grandchildren: Taneisha Barnett, Jennifer Brooks, Javis Giles, Fredric Farley, Courtland Odum and Kieran Barnett; nine great grandchildren: Joscelyn Barnett, Dharian Barnett, Naudia Bush, Justis Brooks, Daveon Giles, Naveon Bush, Keyaun Sutton, Kamrynn Anderson and D'andre Giles; two adopted grandchildren: Cordia "Butter" Sanders and Jaterious "William Jr." Kee; Special friends: Pamela Harris, Michael Durant, Dr. Thomas White, Gary Brooks Sr., Awilda Brooks, Betty Jean Patterson, Grover Whitworth Jr. and Mary Patterson; and a host of nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Barnett will be private. He can be viewed from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Wednesday at Rudisill Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Cherryville, NC with a reception of friends from 2:30 PM until 3:00 PM at the church. Burial will take place at Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery with military honors. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.