Ray Barnett, 78, of Gainesville, passed away surrounded by his children on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.  A graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Tuesday, July 20 at Georgia National Cemetery.

Ray grew up in Smyrna and graduated from Campbell High School.  He made lifelong friends at Campbell that he stayed close to until his passing.  After graduating he attended the University of North Georgia for two years before joining the United States Army.  During his service, Ray was stationed in Germany at the Berlin Wall during the height of the Cold War.  It was while in Germany that he fell in love with Mercedes.  He would travel back to Germany from time to time and import cars back to the US to sell.  After he finished serving his country, he went back to college and attended the University of Georgia where he graduated with his bachelor's degree.  He spent most of his working career as an insurance agent and operated his own agency.  He specializes in unique specialty bonds and was regarded as an expert in that field.  After his retirement from insurance, he kept himself busy by flipping condos, helping his children with house projects, and still visiting with friends from Campbell High School.  He will be remembered for his big personality, quick wit and the love he had for his family.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Ray is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Marcus) Proctor; Paul (Kelly) Barnett, and Rachel (Mitchell) Murchison; brother, Charles (Michelle) Barnett; 6 grandchildren; and several nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Melissa Castelaw; biological parents, Thomas and Martha Barnett; and adoptive parents Jackson Barnett and Mildred Barnett.

The family will receive friends from 2-4pm on Sunday July 18 at Marietta Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.mariettafuneralhome.org