Barry Alan Burnette

Barry Alan Burnette, aged 67, of Nashville, TN, passed away on August 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 29, 1958, in Birmingham, AL to Earl Wimberly Burnette and Madge Brown Burnette, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Reida Blakeney, stepdaughters Kristen (Andy) Walsh and Keri (Zachary) Filakosky; step-grandchildren Cayden, Chase, and Ella Walsh, and Kinley, Banks, and Olivia Filakosky; siblings Terri, Greg (Jennifer), and Patrick; nephew Chandler; sisters-in-law Deborah, Diana (Craig) and Rhonda (Alan); and many other loving family members.

When Barry was a small boy, his family moved to Decatur, GA, and he loved living there. He especially loved summer days at his grandparents' home in Commerce Ga, where he spent time with his many cousins. There, he developed a love for the country, land, and nature that remained with him throughout his life.

As Barry grew, a keen interest in sports grew along with him. He was a gifted athlete, and he played baseball, football, soccer and ran track and made many lifelong friends on those fields. Barry also developed an appreciation for hard work, taking on odd jobs at an early age. He eventually took a job at a local Kroger while in high school, where he worked in the produce department. He enjoyed the work, and he was good at it. After graduating from Towers High School in 1976, he continued his work there while attending DeKalb Community College.

Throughout the years, Barry kept up with his Commerce cousins. When one of his cousins decided to move to Nashville, TN, Barry jumped at the chance to move with him, settling in the Sylvan Park community. Once again, Barry accepted employment at Kroger, dreaming of one day owning his own produce store. He relished the idea of providing the freshest produce straight from the fields to his community.

On August 13, 1988, he opened his own produce and natural foods store and realized his dream and found his passion. He loved the farmers and developed personal as well as professional relationships with each one. He loved his customers, and he knew them by name, and they loved him in return. He called his store The Produce Place and it thrived. He got so busy that he had to hire more employees and he loved them all like family. Barry had a generous nature, which proved a blessing to members of his community. He had a good heart and always tried to help those in need – whether offering employment opportunities, donating food, or just providing a helping hand or a listening ear.

Barry's store took most of his time, but he also had a passion for seeing new things and people, and he traveled whenever he could. He was a true enthusiast of cars and motorcycles - particularly his Harley Davidson – and he took cross-country trips with friends whenever possible.

In 2008, Barry reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Reida, and they eventually married. They had a sweet life full of fun, joy, and love, and enjoyed many years of great adventure and travel. Barry loved Reida's daughters and sons-in-law, and he let them know that they meant everything to him. He was present for the births of six grandchildren, and each of them was the apple of his eye. Barry was their mentor, their playmate, and their friend. He never missed a ball game.

Barry was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia in early 2021 at Vanderbilt Hospital. Eventually, it was determined that the condition was Alzheimer's related and fast moving. As the disease progressed, he was admitted to hospice care in late 2024. Fortunately, he was able to receive visits in his home and Reida continued to be his primary caregiver throughout his struggles.

Barry was admitted to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital on August 13, 2025. He passed peacefully on August 14, surrounded by his beloved family. Barry fought his disease valiantly until the end. Through it all, Barry loved his wife, his family, his friends, his store, his employees, and his community. Barry loved well, and he was well loved.

A Celebration of Life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, Barry can be honored by donations to the Alzheimer's Association to support the search for a cure for this vicious and heartbreaking disease.

Barry's family would like to offer their special thanks and gratitude to his doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital, and to his wonderful hospice team at Emerald Coast Hospice who cared for him with such love and compassion.