Hughie Mathison Barnette's Obituary
Hughie Mathison Barnette, 98, of Concord entered his heavenly home on Thursday morning, September 7, 2023. A Mecklenburg County native, he was born on June 22, 1925 in Huntersville NC to the late David Ross “Jack” Barnette and Bonta Ferrell Barnette.
Hughie was a wonderful husband and father to his family and was married for over 74 years to his wife Hazel who predeceased him in November 2022. He was an Army Air Corp veteran serving with the 31st Air Service Group stationed in Guam during 1945-46 and he especially enjoyed his stopover in Hawaii.
An avid gardener, he enjoyed planting, gathering and sharing all kinds of fruits and vegetables with his family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Most of his working life was spent in some aspect of the optical industry. After retiring from Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. after 25 years as an optician, he worked for Gaskin Eye Clinic in Charlotte until the late 80’s.
He attended Asbury United Methodist Church his entire life. Over the years, he served on just about every committee and held many lay positions within the church. He was especially proud of his long service as Treasurer. Anytime the church doors were open he wanted to be there with his family and loved singing in the choir. When something at church needed to be fixed or cleaned up, he didn’t wait to be asked - he just showed up to get it done - even when he was in his late 80’s.
From an early age Hughie truly had a heart for service to others. You would constantly find him visiting the hospitals and homes of sick family, friends, neighbors and co-workers and delivering food to shut-ins from the church. After retirement, many of his days were spent planting gardens, mowing grass, doing repairs and being helpful to many of those around him.
Besides his family, one of his greatest joys in life was music and singing. He and Hazel sang in the choir at Asbury for well over 60 years and he was a member of the Singing Men of America for 22 years. He was very proud to have had the privilege to sing with this group on the steps of the US Capitol on two separate occasions.
Hughie is survived by his sons, Allen Barnette and wife Peggy of Leland, Michael Barnette of Raleigh, Paul Barnette and wife Mary of Abington, VA; daughters, Patricia Putnam and husband Ed of Charlotte and Bonnie Hutchins and husband Kermit of Cherryville; brother, Sterling Barnette and wife Kathy of Homosassa, FL; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Hazel Wiggins Barnette; sister, Mamie Gibson; brothers Marshall (MD) Barnette, Eugene Barnette; baby brother Lloyd Andrew Barnette; and grandson, David Barnette.
We want to extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone who visited recently and to all those from Hospice of Cabarrus County who helped us care for him over the last few weeks.
Memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 11724 Asbury Chapel Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Asbury United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Funeral officiants will be Rev. Gary Sowell, Rev. Jonathan Barnette and Rev. James Howell. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
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