George (Dave) Barnett, of Little Rock, Ark., passed on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at Baptist Hospital. Dave was born to Ralph “Ray” and Nell Barnett in Roanoke, Va., on October 18, 1929, but was raised in Bluefield, W. Va., which he referred to as “God’s Country”. Dave graduated from Bluefield High School “Beavers” Class of ’47. He sought higher education and graduated from “The Citadel” military academy Class of ’51 where he was awarded a varsity letter from ’47 to ’50 for football. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, graduating from artillery school and ultimately achieving the rank of Captain, and served honorably and bravely in the Korean War.
After returning from his military duties, Dave came home and married his lovely wife, Natalie Burwell Moss, fulfilling their vows of “till death do us part.” Together, Dave and Burwell had four amazing children who blessed the couple with 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Dave was a very active member of Western Hills United Methodist Church, leading many Bible studies, feeding the homeless, and ministering to friends and family.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Natalie “Burwell” Barnett; two sisters, Caroline and Ruth; niece and nephew Billy and Margret Crockett and beloved granddaughter, Noel Tvedten. He is survived by three sons, one daughter, 14 grandchildren, and seven wonderful great-grandchildren: Benjamin “Ben” Barnett (Jeremy and Adam), Joseph “Joe” (Jenny) Barnett (Joseph, Nathan, Timothy, Joshua, Mia and Naomi), David “Ray” Barnett (David and Van), and Natalie (Dr. Tom) Tvedten (Kiley, Sarah, Lena and Thomas); brothers, Bud (Janie) Barnett and Dicky (Sarah) Barnett; sisters, Joan (Arnold) Day, Shirley (Bill) Crockett, Lois (Bob) Surface; nieces, Patty Roland and Nina Crockett Dickson; nephews, Buddy Barnett and David Crockett; and seven fantastic great-grandchildren Zoe, Micheal, Noah, Van, Autumn, Anna, and Zoe.
The family will not be holding a service of remembrance due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but asks
for friends and family to offer prayers for Dave’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Western Hills United Methodist Church Building Fund, 4601 Western Hills Avenue, Little Rock, Ark., 72204.
Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200.
Posted in: Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Posted on: 2020-12-14
Link to original obituary: https://www.arkansasonline.com/obituaries/2020/dec/14/george-barnett-2020-12-13/