Roy Eugene Barnett Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Roy Eugene Barnett, age 89, of Mobile, Alabama, entered his heavenly home on May 24, 2022. The first of seven children born to Rassie Roy and Bernice (Watts) Barnett, on September 2, 1932, in Coker, Alabama, Roy was raised in Tuscaloosa County. The family later settled in Laurel, Mississippi, and this became “home” to the Barnett family. In the mid-1950s, he moved to the Gulf Coast area and there he met Helen Jean Bush. They were married in 1955 and have three girls (Cheryl Ann, Phyllis Elaine, and Regina Lynn) and he adopted her son (William David). They settled and raised their family in Mobile, Alabama, for the next 38 years. The mother of his children passed away on July 24, 2013. In 1997, Roy met and married Jeanna “Jean” S. Tatum and his family grew to included two additional adult children (Joe Tatum and Tracie Blakeney), and spouses. Roy and Jean were married for 24 wonderful years, until her death on December 11, 2021. About three years ago another little lady captured his heart. A little toy poodle named Miss Bridget walked into his and Jean’s life and became the Princess of Marcelus Drive. She became his shadow and side-kick. Roy was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church, Mobile, AL., where he and his wife served in multiple capacities. He was also a proud Navy Veteran who served during the Korean Conflict. As a veteran, he was a member of Post 88 of the American Legion (Chaplain, Finance Officer, and member of the Executive Board). He also held the distinguished honor of being a member of The Forty and Eight Honor Society of American Veterans (40/8). He held various jobs during his lifetime, but none suited him better than being a commercial bus driver. Once he sat in that seat, he was hooked for life. His career began at Gulf Transport Bus Company where he drove for 24 years, traveling all over the country. His profession later led him to Colonial Trailways, as well as other transportation services, where he eventually retired at the age of 85. As a sports enthusiast of football and baseball, he and Jean loved watching the Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide!) and the New Orleans Saints. He also followed the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 24 years, Jeanna S. Barnett; his parents: Rassie Roy Barnett, Bernice Marcelus Watts Barnett; his brothers and sister: Gladys Elaine Gardner, George Hormel Barnett, David Rufus Barnett, Alvin Franklin Barnett, Larry Rassie Barnett; and the mother of his children Helen Jean Bush Barnett. He is survived by his beloved sister: Shirley Ann Loretta Douglas, his children: Cheryl Barnett Kirkland, Phyllis Barnett Crocker, Regina Barnett Dunnam, William David Barnett; Joseph L. Tatum, Jr. (Sherry), Tracie Jolynn Blakeney (Jackie); 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, at Memory Chapel in Laurel, Mississippi. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. Bro. Mark Griffin of First Baptist Church Tillman’s Corner in Mobile, Alabama, will officiate. The American Legion Riders and The Punishers of Laurel, Mississippi, will escort the procession to a graveside service where he will receive Military Honors. Graveside Service will be held at Memorial Gardens; 2151 MS 184; Laurel, MS 39443, following the chapel service. Pallbearers will be: Chandler Blakeney, Connor Blakeney, Joe Courtney, Brian Dunnam, Clint Kirkland, Bill Moody. Honorary Pallbearer will be: Mitchell Dunnam. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Roy Eugene Barnett

September 2, 1932 - May 24, 2022