Thomas M. "Tom" Barnett

1922 - 2024

Tupelo-Thomas Moore "Tom" Barnett passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at his home in Tupelo. He was 102 years old. A native of Booneville, Tom was born May 12, 1922, the son of John and Ruth Bettersworth Barnett. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Army. He then graduated from the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, president of the School of Business Administration, among many other honors. In 1948 he married Joyce McGuire and moved back to Booneville to assist his brother in publishing the family owned newspaper, the Booneville Banner, established by his grandfather in 1898.

When Northeast Junior College began operations in 1948, he became the first accounting teacher on the original faculty and taught for four years. In 1952, he and his family moved to Tupelo where he became Secretary Treasurer of Central Service Association, a position he held for 35 years until his retirement in 1987.

The family joined First United Methodist Church in Tupelo and when St. Luke Methodists Church was formed in 1958, they became part of the original 27 charter members to join the new congregation. At St. Luke, Tom was the first church treasurer, chairman of the Administration Board, and Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Church Sunday School Superintendant and held many other church positions. He also taught Sunday School classes for over 40 years.

Tom was very active in his community, touching many lives. He was a member of the Tupelo Lions Club, the American Legion, and the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity, delivered Meals on Wheels, was Cub Master of St. Luke Cub Scouts, and worked at the Good Samaritan Free Clinic.

Tom leaves behind his daughter, Linda Sanford of Tupelo; two grandsons, Shane Brown of Meridian and Nick Sanford of Tupelo; daughter-in-law, Pam Barnett; and great-granddaughter Mary Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Joyce Barnett; a son Don Barnett; his parents; a brother, Marion Barnett; and a sister, Virginia Gordon.

Services celebrating Tom's rich life will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Rev. Cody Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Tupelo Memorial Park. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time Friday at Pegues, Tupelo.

Pallbearers will be Shane Brown, Nick Sanford, Richard Tyler Tutor, Danny Sanford, Judge Jim Pounds and Dr. Richard Nance.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Senior Adult Class at St. Luke and the retired employees of Central Service Association.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.