Jesse Ragon Barnett, Jr.

Mr. Jesse Ragon Barnett, Jr., age 83, passed away from heart failure Monday, July 20, 2009. Born September 11, 1925 in Marietta, GA, Mr. Barnett was the son of the late Jesse Ragon and Marguerite H. Barnett. Mr. Barnett was the founder of Barnett's Inc. of Fort Meade since 1945. Mr. Barnett was also a citrus grower, a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Meade. He was also the Mayor and a City Judge of Fort Meade at the age of 23. Mr. Barnett was a past member of the Fort Meade Lions Club and past board member of Peace River Country Club. Mr. Barnett supported the Fort Meade Historical Society, donating the current museum building. Mr. Barnett is preceded in death by his sister Madeline Holloway. He is survived by a loving family that includes his wife of 64 years, Bettye Barnett of Fort Meade, his daughter Bettye Ann Sykes and husband Gary of Fort Meade, and son Jesse Ragon Barnett, III and wife Judy also of Fort Meade. He also leaves behind a sister Marge Pennington of Atlanta, GA, three brothers; Dave Barnett, John Barnett both of Fort Meade, Sam Barnett of Chattanooga, TN, five grandchildren; Curt W. Kelly, Jesse Ragon Kelly, Jay Sykes, Carolyn Anne Barnett Prescott and husband Andy, Catherine Barnett Tucker and husband Travis, and four great grandchildren; Elizabeth Ragon Tucker, John Frederick Prescott, Deidre Lee Prescott, and Drew Prescott. Arrangements are being handled by McLean Funeral Home, 306 East Broadway in Fort Meade where family will receive friends Wednesday, July 22nd from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral services for Mr. Barnett will follow Thursday, July 23rd at 10:00am at the First United Methodist Church of Fort Meade, 135 East Broadway in Fort Meade. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Bus Fund.