The end of time came for Barnett W. McConnell, Jr., age 84 of Smyrna, Tennessee, when he departed this life on August 9, 2026. Barnett was born on February 27, 1942 in Scott County, Virginia, and grew up there. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barnett W. McConnell, Sr. and Georgia Hartsock McConnell, and his step-father, Hugh J. (Doc) Addington, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Polly McConnell; brother William McConnell (Joyce); children Mark McConnell (Rhonda), Angela Givens (David), and Michelle Spradley (Greg); grandchildren Gabrielle Henslee (Aaron), Ben Spradley (Emma), Alexandra Marmen (Connor), Maddie Spradley, Emma Grace Givens, and Mac Spradley; great-grandchildren Audrey Henslee, Alister Marmen, Lachlan Marmen, Ottilie Marmen, Elliott Henslee, Washington Spradley, and Owen Henslee; and a very special friend Wiebke Laasch Schmidt of Kiel, Germany.
Barnett and Polly were married in 1964 and moved to middle Tennessee in early 1966. He graduated from Gate City High School in Scott County, VA in 1959 and from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Engineering in 1964. He was Assistant Chief, Engineering Service, at the V. A. Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee for many years.
Barnett was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna, TN but was ecumenical in his Christian faith. He was a lifetime member of the Scott County, VA Historical Society and enjoyed learning about the history of his family. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, writing, and traveling, but particularly cherished the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held August 12, 2026, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel, Smyrna, TN and August 15, 2026, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home of Scott County, Weber City, VA. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Gary Addington officiating. Burial will follow at the Addington Frame Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Addington Frame Cemetery Association, Allen Addington, Treasurer (2135 Wayside Meadow Road, Nickelsville, VA 24271)
