Walter O. Barnett Jr.

Walter O. Barnett, Jr.
Walter O. (Junior) Barnett, Jr. died Sunday, April 11, 2010 while surrounded by many beloved friends and family. 
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Laurel sanctuary. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Laurel, on Wednesday, April 14 at 11 a.m., with Dr. Randall Turner officiating. The family will also receive friends immediately following the service in Heritage Hall. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Mize, preceding the service at 9 a.m.
Born in Wayne County, Miss., he graduated from Beat Four High School in 1945 and immediately became involved in the Mississippi oil and gas industry. Mr. Barnett and W.H Bass formed B&B Oil Well Service in 1959. Over the years, B&B became known as a reputable and successful business operation, for which he was very proud.
An active member of First Baptist Church in Laurel, Mr. Barnett served as a greeter and senior honor deacon on the finance committee for over 40 years. He was also a member of the Laurel Rotary Club and numerous other civic and business organizations.
Junior or Papa, which he was affectionately named by his grandchildren, had a contagious love of life. He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing with his close friends and family. His many stories, for which he was known to tell, would be of good times he and Mary shared with those they loved.
Known also for his prolific gardening, Junior blessed many with his home grown vegetables. He will be sorely missed as a father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary Austin Barnett and his grandson, Edward Eugene Sheppard. 
He is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Sheppard of Laurel; Cindy Lacey and husband Richard of Orange Beach, Ala.; one son, Bob Barnett and wife Dawn of Laurel; one sister, Betty Ankers of Laurel; and six grandchildren, Ric Lacey and his wife Maggie, Austin Lacey and his wife Haley; Walter Sheppard; Katie, Jennifer, and Mary Margaret Barnett; one great grandchild, Leah Kate Williams and numerous nieces and nephews. 
In lieu flowers, donations may to First Baptist Church of Laurel Pastor's Discretionary Fund or to a charity of choice.
Memory Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view or sign the family guestbook, visit www.leadercall.com.