Clayton Harvey Barnett
June 16, 1971 – January 15, 2019
Clay was born in Huntsville Hospital on June 16, 1971; the third child of proud parents, Brenda and Bob Barnett, Sr. Just two years later, the family of five moved from Huntsville to Madison, where Clay grew up playing ball, hunting and fishing with his “Pop”, and spending time with his friends at the YMCA, Rock Quarry, Corner Grocery, and the “Big Ditch”. He graduated from Bob Jones High School in 1990.
Clay married Kasey Riley in 1992, with whom he had a son, Colton Taylor Barnett in 1995. Colton was Clay’s great pride in life and he was a fantastic dad. Colton died unexpectedly on March 17, 2016—a loss from which Clay never fully recovered. Clay and Kasey divorced in 2002.
Clay married Julie Spurgeon, the love of his life, in 2009. Their love for each other was evident to all who knew them. And, Julie’s love for and devotion to Clay was never more evident than in the way she has cared for him in these last difficult months (with great support from Mom and Pop).
Colton and Julie were the best things that ever happened to Clay. Julie has said Clay was the best husband and friend she has ever known, and truly a gift from God. She will be forever grateful for the time they shared together.
Clay took great pride in his work as a painter. He was meticulous and a professional. He began his career in the Physical Plant department at UAH and for the better part of the last decade was a foreman at Shattuck Painting. Those who employed him appreciated his dedication, determination, and precision in workmanship.
Clay left this life after a six month fight against an extremely aggressive cancer on January 15, 2019. In addition to his son, Colton, he was predeceased by all his grandparents and his uncle, David George.
Clay is survived by his beloved wife, Julie Spurgeon Barnett; his parents, Brenda and Bob Barnett, Sr.; his brother, Bob Barnett, Jr.; his sister, Cindy Phillips (Steve Walker); his former brother-in-law, Wade Phillips; four step-sons, Allen Burgess (Emily), Brandon Burgess, Charleton Burgess, and Dylan Burgess; two grandchildren, Alex Burgess and Charlie Burgess; his uncle, Gary Barnett (Kenna); his aunts, Betty George and Sandy Menner (Ken); his nieces, Emmie Phillips and Haley Phillips; his nephews and grandnephew, Christopher Phillips (Morgan), Jaxon Phillips, and Roland Phillips; and a host of cousins and other relatives.
He is also survived by a close-knit group of life-long friends, including Steve Wilson, Kevin McCarley, Channing Smith, Jay Smith, Bobby Porter, Scott Stafford, Mike Prince, Wesley Wilson, and others with whom he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.
Clay’s family will be receiving family and friends at Berryhill Funeral Home from 10 a.m. till noon on Saturday, January 19, 2019, with a memorial service officiated by Clay’s brother, Bob Barnett, Jr., to follow immediately at noon.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be designated to “Hospice Family Care” through the Huntsville Hospital Foundation (https://donatenow.hhsys.org/pages/donations) or to the charity of your choice in Clay’s memory.
