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1922 Thomas M. "Tom" Barnett 2024

Thomas Moore "Tom" Barnett

May 12, 1922 — June 17, 2024

Tupelo

Thomas M. “Tom” Barnett

Tupelo—Thomas Moore “Tom” Barnett passed away Monday, June 17, 2024 at his home in Tupelo. He was 102 years old. A native of Booneville, Tom was born May 12, 1922 the son of John and Ruth Bettersworth Barnett. After graduating high school he proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Army. He then graduated from the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, president of the School of Business Administration, among many other honors. In 1948 he married Joyce McGuire and moved back to Booneville to assist his brother in publishing the family owned newspaper, the Booneville Banner, established by his grandfather in 1898.

When Northeast Junior College began operations in 1948, he became the first accounting teacher on the original faculty and taught for four years. In 1952, he and his family moved to Tupelo where he became Secretary Treasurer of Central Service Association, a position he held for 35 years until his retirement in 1987.

The family joined First United Methodist Church in Tupelo and when St. Luke Methodists Church was formed in 1958, they became part of the original 27 charter members to join the new congregation. At St. Luke, Tom was the first church treasurer, chairman of the Administration Board, and Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Church Sunday School Superintendant and held many other church positions. He also taught Sunday School classes for over 40 years.

Tom was very active in his community, touching many lives. He was a member of the Tupelo Lions Club, the American Legion, and the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity, delivered Meals on Wheels, was Cub Master of St. Luke Cub Scouts, and worked at the Good Samaritan Free Clinic. 

 Tom leaves behind his daughter, Linda Sanford of Tupelo; two grandsons, Shane Brown of Meridian and Nick Sanford of Tupelo; daughter-in-law, Pam Barnett; and great-granddaughter Mary Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Joyce Barnett; a son Don Barnett; his parents; a brother, Marion Barnett; and a sister, Virginia Gordon.

 Services celebrating Tom’s rich life will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Rev. Cody Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Tupelo Memorial Park. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time Friday at Pegues, Tupelo.

 Pallbearers will be Shane Brown, Nick Sanford, Richard Tyler Tutor, Danny Sanford, Judge Jim Pounds and Dr. Richard Nance.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Senior Adult Class at St. Luke and the retired employees of Central Service Association.

 Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Moore "Tom" Barnett, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, June 21, 2024

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

Pegues Funeral Directors - Tupelo

535 W jefferson St, Tupelo, MS 38804

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Friday, June 21, 2024

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Pegues Funeral Directors - Tupelo

535 W jefferson St, Tupelo, MS 38804

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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