Charles Kenneth (Charlie) Barnett Sr., 83, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026 at Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville.
Charlie was born December 2, 1942 to William (Bill) Lee Barnett and Clessie Mae Howard in Anderson, Alabama. He grew up on his family’s farm there in Anderson and graduated from Lauderdale County High School in 1960. After graduation Charlie enlisted in the United States Army. He was recruited to join the Army traveling basketball team for which his 6’7” frame made him an ideal choice. He spent much of his time playing exhibition basketball games when touring in South Korea. Charlie was also a member of the Army Honor Guard.
After his Army service he enrolled at Athens State College in Athens, Alabama where he continued his basketball career and earned his Bachelor of Education as well as meeting his wife of almost 60 years Myra Jean Porter of Lexington, Alabama. He went on to teach history and coach basketball for a few years at Buckhorn High School before changing careers, becoming an electrician and working as a supervisor at Bellefonte before finally retiring after 18 years at Redstone Arsenal.
Charlie loved playing golf, keeping his lawn pristine, watching Indiana basketball and cheering on the Crimson Tide. After raising their family in Arab, Charlie and Myra moved to Huntsville to spend as much time as possible with their one grandchild who they both adored and were adored by. Charlie was known in his neighborhood for his good-natured kindness, his humor and helpfulness and his easy smile. He was lovingly referred to as “The Mayor” of his street referring to his readiness to always lend a hand.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) and Clessie Barnett and his brother, James (Jackie) Howard Barnett.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Myra Jean Porter Barnett; sons, Charles Kenneth (Kenny) Barnett, Jr. (Kelly) of Arab and James Kevin Barnett (Jennifer) of Huntsville; one beloved granddaughter, Arden Grace Barnett also of Huntsville. He is also survived by several sisters-in-law as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Services for Charlie will be Monday, June 8, 2026 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, AL. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm with the funeral service following at 2:00pm. Brother Ken Tyler will officiate. Entombment will be in Brookwood Cemetery Mausoleum. Serving as pallbearers are James Barnett, Jody Barnett, Tim Porter, Steve Porter, Gary Porter and Steve Murks.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Charlie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnels to Towers or a charity of your choosing. Arrangements are to be made through Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel.
