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Gary Barnett Obituary
Valerie Barnett of Sanford. Gary loved serving his community as an AP World History teacher at Oviedo HS, as a soccer coach at the local club, high school, and state levels, and as the director of youth development for Florida Soccer Alliance. He was a remarkably loving and compassionate husband and parent. The world is an emptier place without him, but a better place for having known him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to one of the following memorial funds: The Gary Barnett Scholarship Fund, which will award an annual scholarship to a deserving AP student in Social Studies at OHS (please make donations payable to Oviedo High School, c/o Gary Barnett Scholarship Fund, 601 King Street, Oviedo, FL 32765 with Gary Barnett Scholarship noted in the memo) or The Florida Soccer Alliance Family Benefit Fund (please make donations payable to FSA, 1900 Seminole Soccer Loop, Sanford, FL 32771, with "fbo Gary Barnett" noted in the memo line). Services for Gary will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Oviedo located at 263 King Street, Oviedo, Florida.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Barnett
Claudia Webber
August 8, 2011
I knew Gary as a kind, gentle and caring person. I had the pleasure of being neighbors with Gary befor he got married. I always enjoyed seeing Gary in the neighborhood or about town. He was a lovely man and will be greatly missed!
Josh Prokes
August 5, 2011
I had the pleasure of getting to know Coach Barnett while I was a student athlete at Lyman High School back in the early 90's. I played football (linebacker) and recall a time when I used to poke fun a soccer players not truly knowing the sport or the level of skill involved. Instead of writing me off as another dumb meat-head
Anonymous
July 28, 2011
I only met with him twice, was to be in his class this upcoming school year. He was a legit teacher, he already had an excel spreadsheet of all the students for the upcoming year, and was giving out books. He seemed like an energetic, fun, smart teacher who was very thorough with his work. I'll remember him for that. That was my first impression of him. R.I.P.
Baily Jones
July 25, 2011
Coach Barnett,
I am at a loss for words at what to say right now. Since you always encouraged me to pursue my love for writing, I will try my best to express my thoughts and all the love and respect I had for you. The first time I met you was on September 11, 2001. I was in 9th grade and Ash had already had you as a teacher so when I told her I didn't understand what was happeneing with the terrorist attacks - she sent me to you and told me that you would explain it the best you could. On a day that so many Americans will never forget... I remember you most. Then, a few weeks later you told me I would be on your JV soccer team because my lack of size prevented me from being a member of the Varsity squad. Oh, how I hated that -- but I soon realized how fortunate I was to be coached by someone with such a zest for teaching and a passion for the game I loved. I learned so much! You gave me the confidence I needed to go on and be a member of that Varsity team the next year and I was blessed that you moved up as the head coach that year as well. For all 4 years, you were my coach. You didn't just teach me tactics and techniques - you were "that coach". The coach that instilled discipline, demanded sportsmanship, and offered advice in life, sport, and school. I imagined introducing you to my future children one day and explaining to them the utmost respect that I had for you as a coach and as a person. I will forever hope that those future children of mine will learn to love the game of soccer and know a coach like you. I hope you know how much you impacted my life in so many positive ways. Thank you for the lessons that I will pass on. Thank you for the memories that I will never forget. And thank you for the opportunity to know you, play for you, and spend the most memorable years of my life with you. My prayers will be with your family and your legacy will live on. Thank you for being the type of coach that a coach should be -- and for letting us leave practice early when you made me lick the circumference of the muddy soccer ball. (Haha!)
-Baily ("Bear")
Romans 8:28
Donald R Gurney
July 24, 2011
I was fortunate to meet Gary when he first came to FYSA as a young coach. We attended many soccer functions together and shared many great times. He was a great friend and will be missed. GOD bless him and his family. Don Gurney
Jenny Burrell
July 23, 2011
So sorry for your loss. Gary was a wonderful person who always made you feel better just being around him, he always made me smile.
Robyn Martin
July 23, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a sweet person and had so much to offer. My prayers are with you.
Jill Cousins
July 22, 2011
I worked closely with Gary when I was a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel and he was girls' soccer coach at Lyman. In my first 4 years there (1990-94), his teams won 3 state championships! Gary was an amazingly upbeat person and a great coach. I was shocked to hear of his death, but feel blessed to have known him. May he R.I.P.
Valerie Sims
July 22, 2011
My love to your family, Gary. You were a wonderful friend to me for 39 years. I still remember the way we used to play together at Red Bug and all of the birthday parties at Wet 'n' Wild. I also remember playing Trivial Pursuit together when we got older. My dad always adored you. I'd like to think that you and he are together now, and unstoppable.
Shelby Maniccia
July 22, 2011
Mr. Barnett, I don't have words. I was sitting in line for the Harry Potter premiere when my little sister called and told me, but I couldn't muster a response. You were one of my favorite teachers at OHS, and a remarkable person. I will never forget the time you were late to APWH and ran through the door and superman-ed onto the cart at the front of the classroom; I still tell that story to my college friends. I will never forget your Sparta or Sputnik impressions. I will never forget when you came into the room when Anna, Tim, and I were all singing and dancing to "La Vie Boheme" from Rent and ran to the iPod to pause it before the song said something inappropriate. You made history fun, exciting, and hilarious, something I cannot say for anyone else. You will be missed by all of your students ?
David & Ronda Galloway
July 22, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sue Kranz
July 22, 2011
So truly saddened by the loss of Mr. Barnett. My daughters were recent students at OHS and loved their time in his classroom. My sympathies to your family as you face this loss. You are cared for and enjoyed by so many.
Janice Ruschak
July 22, 2011
Know that what we do for others will go on living in them. Gary will be missed but never forgotten.We don't know why some are called away so soon but we must feel blessed to have had them in our lives if even just for a short while. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Ruschak Family
Vedat Gulen
July 21, 2011
My Sympathies to the Barnett family. Even thou we have not seen each other in a long while you will be missed. I had enjoyed playing with you on same team even thou it was years ago. Rest in peace buddy, till we meet on that big green pitch in the after world....
Dottie Belisle
July 20, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Gary. Please know Valerie & Dick & Family that you are all in my thoughts & prayers. You have my utmost understanding & sympathy. May God give you peace & understanding at this most difficult timel
Pastor Jimmy Jones
Jimmy Jones
July 20, 2011
Praying for all your friends and family, that they may be comforted by your memory and by the Holy Spirit. Your amazing life touched so many people in significant ways. You will certainly be deeply missed.
Windows at FUMC Sanford (Florida)
Jimmy Jones
July 20, 2011
I have had the honor and privilege to be with Gary's dear family during this time of loss. I know that Gary brought so much hope and love into all his relationships. My love and prayers to his family and friends. Pastor Jimmy Jones (FUMC - Sanford, Florida)
Linda Huff
July 20, 2011
Dearest Didi,Dylan and Barnett Family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Gary was a "Shining Star". He touched so many lives and leaves this world a better place. May God bless you with love and strength to sustain you.
Linda and Ashley Huff (parent and student, OHS,Class of 2008)
Linda Tiner
July 19, 2011
Dear DiDi, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you and Dylan will have great memories to keep in your heart. Please take care of your self and I will send many blessings and prayers for you both.
Angela-Mia Kilmer
July 19, 2011
With love and sympathy to the Barnett family. I am honored to call myself a colleague of both Gary and Didi. Gary's dedication and charisma serve as inspirations to all educators, no matter what subject they teach.
Austin Pumneo
July 19, 2011
Remembering the early years and coaches such as yourself (not much older than we were) joining together for the single cause of bringing the love of soccer to the young men and women of Seminole County. We all greatly appreciate your dedication.
Our condolences to the family - Austin Pumneo
Kim Walsh
July 19, 2011
Much love and support to Gary's family..The world has lost a beautiful smile, soccer has lost a champion and we have lost a dear friend... God bless you, Gary..
Leslie Crabtree-Johnson
July 19, 2011
To the Barnett Family..I am so deeply sorry for your loss..
July 19, 2011
Gary you will be missed by so many. It was a honor to be able to call you a friend even though we went our seperate ways and lost touch. We had a blast growing up in school and playing soccer together. You have touch so many people a long the way. R.I.P. my friend till we meet again. Hal Posey & family
July 19, 2011
Gary, you will be missed in our family, I didn't know you as an adult but I did know you when we were growin up. We had so much fun as kids. Rest in Peace my friend. Love Lisa Rumbley-Nicholas
Elizabeth Cassese
July 19, 2011
There are no words to express the loss you must be feeling. Mr. Barnett touched so many lives, especially the lives of students and their families. It is so sad that when the world needs more people like Gary, who are dedicated to enriching the lives of teenagers, we lose one of the best. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed by all who knew him, and by those who never got the opportunity to know him.
Laine Wood
July 19, 2011
Aw, Gary, you will missed by so many. RIP my friend.
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