George Willard Barnette

Willard retired after 42 years with Burlington Industries at the Williamsburg Plant.  He was a 1957 graduate of AO High School where he played baseball and earned a baseball scholarship to Elon.  His nickname in school was “Pro” because he enjoyed sports so much.  Willard enjoyed working in his yard, on lawnmowers for people, playing golf and formerly played with the Senior Golf League, and he was a member of First Baptist Church of Elon.

Survivors other than his wife, Carolyn include their son, Chip Barnette and wife Kristine; granddaughters whom he adored, Ellie and Vivienne; nieces, Crystal (Jack) Webster and Patricia (Clifford) Smith; and several other nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law, Jerry R. Steele; and sisters-in-law, Linda Thompson and Judy (Rick) Barnes. Willard was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Harold Eugene Barnette, James Hunter Barnette and Eula Lowe Doss.

The graveside service will be held at 11:00am Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Magnolia Cemetery by Rev. David Durham. The family will receive friends following the service. The public is invited to view and pay their respects on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory from 12:00pm to 5:00pm and other times at the residence.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Elon, P.O. Box 778, Elon, NC 27244.   You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com.