Alfred Enelo Barnett was born Feb. 23, 1936, and went home to be with the LORD on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, at the age of 84 years, 9 months, and 14 days.
Alfred was a member of Quail Valley Church of Christ and a lifelong resident of Batesville, Arkansas.
Alfred came from a large family of 17 siblings. He was the 11th of 13 children of George and Cora Barnett. He also had two half-brothers and two half-sisters from prior marriages.
Alfred was a loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. Alfred is survived by his wife Shirley of 66 years; five children, Kathy, Brenda, Sherry, Ronny, and Vicky; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Lewis (Von) Barnett of Indianapolis, IN; and many other families, friends, co-workers, and church members.
Alfred’s dedication to his family, friends, and job was remarkable. Alfred was a commercial truck driver for Banquet Foods / ConAgra in Batesville. He started with Banquet on August 23, 1967, and retired with 32 years of service in 1999.
Prior to his retirement, Alfred was recognized for more than 20 years of perfect attendance. Banquet only began keeping attendance records in 1973. However, it is believed after breaking his arm on the 3rd day on the job, Alfred never missed another day until his retirement.
In his youth, Alfred earned a living cutting cedar trees for posts and split rail fences as well as oak for railroad ties and lumber. He was a skilled arborist and cut or trimmed many trees for Batesville residents. He also enjoyed gardening and working with draft animals either plowing or pulling wagons.
Alfred’s example of hard work, commitment, giving and helpful spirit, humor, and love will be remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him.
There will be a visitation at Willis Funeral Service’s Chapel in Batesville, AR, on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. CST. Visitation will be followed by a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville, AR at 2:00 p.m.
