Jesse Paul Barnett Jr.

Funeral services for Mr. Jesse Paul Barnett, Jr. will begin at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Russell officiating. Interment will follow at Salem Memorial Church Cemetery on Hwy 14 in Macon, MS. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Mr. Barnett, 91, died Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Brookdale of Meridian.
Jesse was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Korean War on the U.S.S. Triumph. He was very proud of his achievements in Martial Arts obtaining two 10th Degree Blackbelts, one in Shotokan, one in Taekwondo, as well as a 2nd degree Blackbelt in Shorin-Ryu. He was still competing and judging Karate events well into his 80s. Jesse was a member of Oak Hill Baptist Church, where he faithfully attended as long as his health permitted.
Mr. Barnett attended Hinds Jr. College and graduated from Mississippi Southern College (Now the University of Southern Mississippi) in 1958. He began his career with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in New Orleans and opened the Meridian Goodyear location in 1973. After retiring from Goodyear, he worked part-time for many years at Lowe's.
Mr. Barnett is survived by his wife of 68 years, Opal Barnett; their children, Paul Barnett (Jonee) and Mike Barnett. Grandchildren, Erica Barnett, Tyler Barnett (Ashley), and Ben Barnett; one great-granddaughter, Sadie Barnett; his brother, James Barnett, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Jesse is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Paul Barnett, Sr. and Amanda Barnett; his grandson, Michael Barnett; and his siblings, Wilford Barnett, Tommy Barnett, Mary Thorsen, Jeanette Glover, and Dorothy Burlison.
Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.
The Barnett Family will receive guests from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM prior to funeral rites in the chapel.