Jerry Hicks Barnette, 74, of Tryon, N.C. passed at away Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, S.C.

Jerry was the son of the late Beaufort and Margaret “Judge” Irene Hicks Barnette. He was a graduate of Tryon High School class of 1959. After high school, Jerry continued his education and became a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill class of 1963 earning a degree in engineering. In 1968, he obtained his master’s degree from Boston College.

Following college, Jerry proudly served his country as a flight engineer in the United States Air Force for five years. After his service in the US Air Force, he worked as a consultant and engineer in the textile industry.

Jerry dedicated many years to caring for his mother, “Judge,” until she passed away in 2002. After retirement, Jerry volunteered at Thermal Belt Outreach Ministries. He was a faithful member of Tryon First Baptist church where he enjoyed singing in the choir.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a brother, Carroll Robert Barnette.

Surviving is his dear precious Donna Sims Ziegler of Tryon, N.C.; one daughter, Lisa Barnette Callanan (Kevin) of Virginia; five step-children, Arthur Louis Ziegler III (Mary) of Spartanburg, S.C., Melodie Ziegler Gable (Harold) of Ypsilanti, Mich., Deann Ziegler Provine (Chuck) of Spartanburg, S.C., Charmaine Ziegler Ramstein (John) of Park City, Utah, and Meshelle Ziegler Colvin of Simpsonville, S.C.

Also surviving is a brother, Richard Lee Barnette of Charleston, S.C.; a very special niece, Jennifer Barnette McCraw (Darrell) of Columbus, N.C.; 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry also leaves behind his sidekick and faithful four-legged companion, Jennie.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, N.C.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

At other times, the family will be at the home.

Memorials may be made to the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, 101 Hospital Drive, Columbus, NC 28722.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community, friends, and family that have shown an outpouring of love, support, and prayers over the last several days.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.