Gary Lee Barnette, 77, of Lancing, Tennessee, went home to be with our Saviour, Sunday April 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Gary was a friend to everyone he met, always had a smile on his face, and could crack you up with his quick wit and infectious laugh. He loved his family very much and had a special love for his Grands and Great Grandkids. He was a member of Wartburg First Baptist Church in Wartburg, TN, and traveled with Southern Gospel Music Group Eternal Heart for 25 years where he was known as Paw, Daddy, sound man, best friend, prayer warrior, bus driver, mechanic and biggest fan. He also taught Sunday School for many years at Calvary Baptist Church. Gary owned and operated Barnette Paint & Body Repair in Lancing for over 38 years. He had many loyal customers throughout all those years. He had a talent for making things look “brand new” again. Even though he was a diehard FORD man, he was also employed as the Body Shop Manager for Sexton Chevrolet in Harriman, Tn for nearly 10 years and Morgan County Road department for about 3 years.

Gary was preceded in death by the Love of his Life for over 58 years (wife) Judy Barnette, his parents Lee W. II and Lucille Norman (Tx), his brother Mike Barnette (Tx), son-in-law Leon Kennedy(Deer Lodge), brother-in-law Roger Parker(Tx), sister-in-law Jeannie Parker(Ky), Mother- in- law-Charlotte Corley (Tx) and Father- in- law Louis Parker (Tx).

He is survived by his brother Lee III (Wendy) Norman (Wartburg), brother-in-law John Parker (Ky), sister-in-law Sharon (Dennis) McCallister(Tx), sister-in-law Sheryl Parker(Tx), sister-in-law Linda Frederick(Tx), brother-in-law Mike Parker(Tx), Daughter -Tammy (Jimmy) Giles of Oliver Springs, Son- Roy (Heather) Barnette of Wartburg, Daughter- Shelley Kennedy of Lancing. Grandchildren who knew him as “Paw”, Maci Giles,(Dylan Henderson),Eli Giles,(Taylor Milen), Haley Barnette, Hannah Barnette, Noah (Raelee) Barnette, Christian (Kayla) Redmon, and Lily Kennedy. Great Grandchildren Kolter, Hudson, Grayson, Brynlee, Lex, Salem, Lennox, Capri, Lucy, Teagan and Oaklynn.

The family will receive friends Saturday May 2, 2026 from 12-2pm at Schubert’s Funeral Home in Wartburg, Tn. The funeral will follow at 2pm with Bro. Brandon Peters and Bro. Matt Ward Officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Clear Creek Cemetery in Lancing, Tn.