Ray Jackson Barnett

Ray Jackson Barnett, 95, died peacefully on Thursday, February 5, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas. He was born November 3, 1919, at home in Elba, Arkansas, to George and Ida Barnett, the fifth of seven children. When Ray was nine years old his family moved to Gentry, Arkansas, where he enjoyed growing up on Flint Creek next to the neighboring farm of his future bride's family, the Hardcastles. He married Dora Laurine Hardcastle of Gentry 74 years ago on November 17, 1940. For the past 50 years they have made their home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He is survived by his wife Dora Laurine Barnett; sons David Ray; Robert Ervin and wife Margaret; Mark Stephen and wife Sandra; Jonathan Dale and wife Christy; James Odell and wife Marilyn all of Siloam Springs; daughters, Jane Ellen Johnson and husband Jerry of Waco, Texas; Mary Esther Boxx and husband Randy of Siloam Springs. Ray is also survived by nineteen grandchildren; Marcus Johnson and wife Amy, Anthony Johnson, Jeff Barnett, Carter Barnett, Ashley Lee and husband Michael, Allison Halsell and husband Scot, Julie Levy and husband Jason, Krista Zecchino and husband Mike, Holly Niles, Heidi Stagg and husband, Michael Barnett and wife Amanda, Stephen Barnett, Christopher Barnett, Sarah Pense and husband Jason, Joe Barnett and wife Abby, Lacey Hudgins and husband Donivan, Nicholas Barnett and wife Corina, Abbey Rowsey and husband Paul, and Jordan Barnett. The married grandchildren have added 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by twin sisters, Jeanette Pettey of Siloam Springs and Geneva Taylor of Sacramento, California. Ray was a member of the "Greatest Generation," a title given by Tom Brokaw to the brave men and women of the WW II era. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944-46 in the field artillery stationed in Okinawa and was there when Japan surrendered. When Ray arrived home from the war, he enrolled in Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, where he received his B.S. degree in Biology in 1949, while preaching in rural churches. His love of learning kept him pursuing more education through the years. Other degrees he earned were: Masters in Religious Education from Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas City in 1951; Masters of Education Administration from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in l957; and additional graduate hours toward a Guidance and Counseling degree. Early in Ray's life he felt the call to ministry and was a bi-vocational pastor for 25 plus years in churches in Oklahoma and Arkansas. He was a teacher/counselor/administrator for 20 plus years at various schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma, including 9 years at John Brown University. Prior to retiring in l990, he was a salesman for DaySpring Cards for 10 years. In the years following retirement, Ray's main focus was investing in the lives of people. He brought joy and encouragement to all, loved unconditionally and was quick to forgive when wronged. Activities and hobbies included: teaching/counseling, gardening, hosting dinner parties with Laurine, golf, walking/hiking, traveling and going to any and all activities involving his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, attending sports events and following his favorite teams, along with volunteering in various organizations in the community, including serving on the board of the Genesis House for many years. Barnett was a member of the American Legion Post 29 for 42 continuous years. He served as the state chaplain from June 1988 to July 2001. He also held various local posts and roles from August 1991 to July 2003. He and Laurine were the driving force in helping over 400 young students from Siloam Springs High School attend Boys and Girls State over a 40-year period (actually driving some of them to and from the event location). Some of the awards Ray received through the years were: 1986 DaySpring Service Award; 2001 Special Recognition by Governor Mike Huckabee for distinguished accomplishments, services and deeds as a Citizen of Arkansas; 2005 Office of Human Concern Community Action for Distinguished Service; 2007 Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce "Pioneer Citizen of the Year"; 2009 The American Legion Department of Arkansas Americanism Award. In summary, Ray was a man who lived his life loving God, family, country, and faithfully serving others, leaving a great legacy to all who knew him. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Siloam Springs. Visitation and viewing will be Thursday evening, February 12th, at Wasson Funeral Home, 5:30-8 p.m. Celebration services will be held on Saturday, February 14th, 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Siloam Springs. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs. Memorials may be given to Siloam Springs First Baptist Church Heart Beat Fund, American Legion Post 29, or to John Brown University for the Ray and Laurine Barnett Civic Leadership Endowed Speakers' Fund.