‘Doug’ Barnett (2-3-12)

DEMOREST - William Douglas "Doug" Barnett, 88, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2012, following a sudden illness.

He was born in Jefferson, on April 30, 1923, the son of the late Herman Elmer and Ellie Amanda Eckles Barnett. Mr. Barnett was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Theresa Hendrickson Barnett. He was a United States Army Air Force veteran, having served in the 329th Airdrome Squadron, 3rd Combat Cargo during WWII. He was a member of the famed "Flying Tigers." Mr. Barnett was a teacher and coach for several years at Demorest High School before beginning his career in personal finance. He was a co-owner of Citizens Finance in Cornelia and later served as a Correctional Officer at Lee Arrendale State Prison. Mr. Barnett was very active in his community in which he had served as a board member for the Demorest Elementary School, was Past-President of the Cornelia Chamber of Commerce, the Cornelia Kiwanis Club, and the South Habersham High School Touchdown Club. He was a member of the Bethany Methodist Church in Jefferson, and attended the Demorest Baptist Church. Mr. Barnett was a member of the Cornelia Lodge # 92 F & A.M. and had just received his 60 year apron.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Marcus Tench, Demorest; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Betty Barnett, Moore County, N.C.; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Cindy Barnett, Lynn, N.C.; brother-in-law and wife, Charles and Ann Hendrickson, Gainesville; grandchildren, Jenny Jones, Mark Barnett, Sandy Wright, Allison Tench Becker, Austin Tench; eight great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 06, from the Whitfield Funeral Home North Chapel - Demorest, with Tom Mewborn officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves V.F.W. Post # 7720, the American Legion Post # 84, the Rabun County D.A.V. Chapter # 15, and the Georgia National Guard. Masonic graveside rites will be provided by the Cornelia Lodge # 92 F & A.M.

The family will receive friends at the North Chapel from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements.