Obituary of Rufus Barnett

Mr. Rufus Barnett, Jr., age 89, of Ozark, died Sunday, January 2, 2011. Funeral services will be 10:30 A. M. Wednesday, January 5, 2011, in the Chapel of Holman Funeral Home in Ozark with Reverend Freddie L. McCain officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 5:00 P. M. until 7:00 P. M. Mr. Barnett was born May 31, 1921 in Montgomery County to the late Rufus Barnett, Sr. and Maggie Pearl Ellis Barnett. He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He married Darlyne Thacker on March 9, 1946 in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and returned to Auburn, Alabama where he graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Agricultural Science. They later made their home in Sumter County, Marengo County, Geneva County, and Dale County where Rufus served as head of the Soil Conservation offices. Mr. Barnett retired from the Alabama National Guard following twenty-five years of service, and was a flight instructor at Fort Rucker until his retirement. He was a member of Ozark Baptist Church and served one term as an Alabama State Senator from Dale and Geneva County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Darlyene Thacker Barnett in 2009, and one son, Andrew Levin "Andy" Barnett in 1986. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Steven D. and Gail Barnett of Ozark; Grandchildren, Dr. Christopher Barnett of Yuba City, California, Brian and Adrienne Barnett, Alyssa and Zack Nichols of Murfreessboro, Tennessee, and Adam and Crystal Segars of Echo; one half brother, William Fullerton of Reform, Alabama. Five great grandchildren also survive. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Chris Strunk, Dr. Rebecca Jordan, Southern Care Hospice, and Kelly Place in Enterprise for the special care of their Father and Grandfather. Service Information