Jerry Barnett

1937 - 2023

Jerry Barnett of White Springs, Fla., passed away on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at Suwannee Valley Nursing Center. Jerry was born Aug. 13, 1937, in Birmingham, Ala. He was adopted by the late Geraldine Barnett Loflin and her husband, Kloeb Loflin, but sadly, Geraldine died before the adoption was completed. Enter Dr. Ross and Elizabeth Barnett, Geraldine's parents. They took young Jerry back to Florida when Kloeb declined to complete the adoption without a wife. Jerry was raised in White Springs by the Barnetts and remained there all his life. He did venture out after high school to work with Blythe Brothers Construction and helped build I-95 and I-75 during the late 50s. While working in North Carolina, he met Diana Presson on a weekend home with a co-worker. They married in 1959 and returned to White Springs to work and raise a family. Jerry always considered himself a farmer, even when he bought and managed Western Auto for many years. When the big stores brought hard times, he began working at PCS and remained there until his retirement, upon which he could again be a farmer. In his 80s, Jerry discovered through Ancestry DNA that he had a half-sister and a half-brother. Monna Kilpatrick Caparoon and Alan Kilpatrick could come to Florida to meet and get to know the older brother they had never known existed. This was a blessing to all involved. Along with a sister and brother, Jerry also gained numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and more. So much joy and love have been enjoyed these last few years, which brought a measure of peace to Jerry and completeness in knowing something of his history. Due to declining health, Jerry spent his last days in Suwannee Valley Nursing Center. There, he received loving care from staff members who became more like family than just employees, and the family appreciates all who helped and comforted him in his last days. Jerry leaves behind his wife Diana, daughter Robin (Brad) Hall, son Jay (Sandy) Barnett, sister Monna Caparoon and brother Alan Kilpatrick. He also leaves seven grandchildren, Cooper (Jessica) Hall, Cameron (Marshanna) Hall, Conner Hall, Carson (Grace) Hall, Tanner Barnett, Dylan Barnett and Natalie Barnett, with fiancé Steven Huppe. Great grandchildren Slade, Elijah, Wren and Hatley Hall. Jerry will be cremated, and a service will be held in the future to allow the family to gather. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation of any size to the American Alzheimer's Association. Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, Fla. was in charge of immediate arrangements.