R. Jerome "Jerry" Barnett

R. Jerome "Jerry" Barnett MT. PLEASANT - R. Jerome Barnett (Jerry), 87, husband of Kathryn Burns Barnett, passed away at his home in Mt. Pleasant, SC, on January 3, 2011. Dr. Barnett was born on December 28, 1923, in Birmingham, AL, son of the late Dr. Rufus Jerome Barnett (Doc) and the late Beulah Byars Barnett. After serving in the Army and Navy services during WWII, he practiced general dentistry in Birmingham, AL, and as an assistant professor at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Jerry practiced general dentistry and endodontics in Atlanta, GA, and was a part-time faculty member of Emory University School of Dentistry. Upon retiring from practice, he moved to SC and was an assistant professor at MUSC College of Dental Medicine for many years. After retirement from MUSC Jerry and Kathryn maintained an antique and collectibles booth at Hungry Neck Mall. He was a connoisseur of fine films and an avid theater buff. He was well known for his quick wit and ability to make arguably the best martini east of the Mississippi. Jerry was a founding father of the Unitarian Church in Birmingham, AL, and attended meetings as a friend to the Unitarian Church in Charleston, SC. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his son, Samuel J. Barnett, and his wife Larisa, of Johns Island; his daughter, Sue Barnett Ward, and her husband Bill Gardner of Beaufort, SC; his sister, Jean Burnett, and her husband Joe of Birmingham, AL; his step-daughters, Donna Lyerly and her husband Keith of Hendersonville, NC, DiAnn Shaver and her husband Freddy of Lake Greenwood, SC, Delane Haymes and her husband Barry of Simpsonville, SC; and eight grandchildren. Palmetto Crematory is providing professional services to the family. The family will host a celebration honoring Jerry's life on Saturday, January 15, 2011, from 3:00 to 5:00 in the Sweet Grass Room, Hampton Inn, Mt. Pleasant, 114 Isle of Palms Connector, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Memorials may be made to The Unitarian Church, 4 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401, or Carolina Hospice Care, 410 Mill Street, Suite 401, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths