Bill Wilson Barnette

Bill Wilson Barnette, age 84 of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Blue Ridge Health & Rehabilitation Center in Hendersonville. He was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on December 28, 1933 and was the son of Late Nancy Durham Barnette and Bascom Hill Barnette. 

Bill and his wife, Peggy were married in 1961 and have been blessed with fifty-seven years of happiness.  Bill was always a family-oriented man with his priority being to take care of his family above all else.  He encouraged his two sons, Minor and Wilson, to participate in little league basketball, baseball and football teams; also spending multiple hours instructing them in golf.  Their summers together consisted of camping, fishing, water skiing/swimming at the lake, and going to the beach as they were able.  One of his life-time dreams was to have a place at the beach where all of his family could gather together; later being realized at their home in North Myrtle Beach.  Bill provided family times never to be forgotten.

Bill was basically reared by his angelic mother in humble beginnings.  With a sharp, intelligent mind and a great deal of ambition, Bill rose far above his meager start in life.  He set goals that were realized wherever he went; ultimately climaxing as president and CEO of Valdese Manufacturing.  As an executive, he always exhibited fairness, honesty and respect for others.

As his granddaughters, Caroline and Allison, grew older, Bill and Peggy were the most devoted fans at their softball, soccer and basketball team games; following them whenever and wherever their games were played.  Bill and Peggy enjoyed their games and were always the proudest grandparents attending!

Bill was also proud of being a graduate of Guilford College and thrilled when Caroline was awarded a position playing varsity softball for Guilford; and ultimately becoming a legacy graduate.  Bill and Caroline’s picture with their diplomas was featured together in an alumni magazine. 

Living Christian life, loving and serving his church, Nebo First Baptist, was important to Bill as he wanted to set and example for his boys to follow.  His rich faith in God was always witnessed by those he knew and loved.  Bill also served his country in the Korean War, and later served his community by being elected to the McDowell County School Board.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Frances Barnette Elliott and Joan Barnette Brown; brother-in-law, Henry Brown; and two nephews, Christopher Elliott and John Roper, Jr.

Surviving family include: his wife, Peggy Barnette; sons, Minor Barnette and Wilson Barnette (Laura Mathias Barnette); granddaughters, Caroline Elizabeth Barnette, Allison Carter Barnette and Heather Moser; and five nieces and three nephews. 

A service of praise for Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Rev. Doug Worley and Rev. Wayne Miller officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.  Interment will follow the service at Mocks United Methodist Church Cemetery in Advance, North Carolina. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.

Remembrances in his honor should be made to, Nebo First Baptist Church’s building fund, 5360 US 70 East, Nebo, North Carolina 28761.