Rev. Barney Arnett, 83, of Leroy, went to be with The Lord on Thursday, September 17, 2015.
Funeral Service: 11AM Tuesday, September 22nd at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Arnett, Pastor Lee Farmer and Rev. John Helm officiating. Burial will follow at Gerald Cemetery with Pastor Ronnie Holmes officiating.
Visitation: 6 to 8PM Monday, September 21st at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Barney was born to Archie Franklin Arnett and Effie Rosalee (Stagner) Arnett on May 10, 1932 in Evant, Texas. He and his family moved to Waco in 1948. He met his wife when his mother came to the gas station where he worked with a beautiful young blonde girl named Billie Kemp sitting beside her. He was smitten and the courtship began. Love blossomed and they married and began their journey together, on April 16th, 1951. While they were dating he began to attend her home church, Third Street Mission, which later became Bible Way Church and God began drawing him into ministry and placed the call to preach upon his life.
As the years passed, his pastor, Rev. Joseph “Bro. Joe” Dana, saw his dedication and asked Barney to be his associate pastor. He was faithful working beside Bro. Joe until 1988 when Barney became the senior pastor and served there until he retired in 2009. He had a love for the ministry and people.
He and Billie moved to Leroy and purchased some acreage and that kept him occupied. He loved to get on his tractor and shred the pasture. His family kept telling him that his animals needed him to leave some grass for them to eat. He had a menagerie of animals through the years. Barney worked at Central Freight Lines for over forty years until he retired in 1994.
Barney and Billie had three children within 4 years of marriage and they loved them more than words can express. In his eyes there was no one like his beautiful girls, Sharon and Debra, and David took every step he took. Their children, grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren brought much joy to them. As parents and grandparents, they provided a godly example, by living their faith in front of them. They provided boundaries that guided their family in the right direction, with many of them choosing to follow in ministry as pastors, teachers of the Word, worship leaders and Disciples of Christ. What a legacy! He was loved by all and was cared for by his loved ones even as Alzheimer’s disease took over his mind but it could never overtake the Spirit of God that lived within him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother in law, Velma Hill, brothers, Aubrey James Arnett, Audra Lee Arnett, Martin Arnett, Claude Arnett, Gordie Arnett Roy Arnett, Elbert “Dad” Arnett, Vernie “John: Arnett, Troy Lee “Doc” Arnett, Iva Jewel Brisendine, Lily “May” Norman and Paula “Pete” Presley; brothers in law, Barnie Holmes and Charles Kemp.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Billie Arnett; children, Sharon Farmer and husband Lee, David Arnett and wife Reba, and Debra Helm and husband John; 10 grandchildren, Brandon and Lisa Reese, Shana and Randy Griffin, Sherry and EC Prickett, Shea and Chris Gutierrez, Dave and Bethany Arnett, Daron and Abbey Farmer, Joshua and Brandy Helm, Justin and Stephanie Arnett, Christel Boggs, Nathan and Amber Helm; 35 great grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren to arrive later this year; sister, Margie Holmes; sisters in law, Fay VanNatta , Joye Arnett and Sue Arnett; and many extended family members and friends.
Pallbearers are great-grandsons, Blake Henry, Jacob Prickett, Trent Gutierrez, Caleb Boggs, Brady Arnett, and Ryder Reese.
Honorary Pallbearers are great-grandsons, Jonah Prickett, Ethan Farmer, Jensen Helm, Jeremiah Arnett, Tanner Boggs, Jayden Helm, Dallas Helm, Cole Arnett and Justus Helm.
The family wishes to thank Providence Hospice and Wesley Woods Healthcare Center for the care they gave to our loved one and to the family and to Fay VanNatta for her daily care for ”her Barney.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Bible Way Church, 2800 Gurley, Waco, TX 76711.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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Not only a great man, but a Godly man. Left a great heritage. Prayers for Sister Arnett and family.
We are praying for the Arnett Family in the loss of your father. Your loss is Heaven’s gain.
To the entire Arnett Family. Prayers and my deepest sympathy to you all. Sharon and Billie i love yall Hugs n sympathy for all
A great man. My deepest condolences. He touched so many lives
He will be missed Prayers to the Arnett Family with my Deepest Sympathy.
Our prayers are with the Arnett family. May Barney RIP ; cGOD BLESS all.
Sending my prayers to the family. You will be missed
He left beautiful memories and a Godly legacy…
Hero of Faith, Gentle Soul, Loving man to all, Man of Godly Character and High Moral Standards, and my Pastor. I loved this man with all my heart. He always encouraged me throughout my lifetime. He left this world with an amazing testimony that will always be honored and remembered. What a legacy .
My thoughts and prayers are with the Arnett family at this time. I have many wonderful memories made over the years .I believe all things happen for a reason and I will always believe I have been blessed for knowing you. Again thoughts and prayers .
The Lord called Daddy Barney Home. He beckoned His servant and the old shredder for a special permanent shredding assignment for His Over the Rainbow Bridge Kingdom and Daddy Barney probably said (Sure- I’ m there at your service, Sir.) Daddy Barney was always a special neighbor and friend for our family. Our prayers are with the family, Gloria (Bode) Opperman, Deacon Jerry Opperman, Bear, and Angel Sugar Opperman
Sending prayers to the Arnett family. My God wrap his arms of confort around you.
Love,
Nanci Arnett
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Pastor Barny was a great man of God. I believe he touched so many lives during his time on this earth. Spreading the word of God to everyone. What a welcoming home event in heaven this is to be.
May the peace and comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
May the peace and comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ be with everyone that knew and loved Bro. Barney. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
We were sadden to hear of your loss; however, heaven’s gain. He was truly a man of God and what a testimony
to his family and friends living what he believed. We are praying for the Arnett family during this time and
KNOW our GOD will uphold you all with his strength. What a legacy he has left behind – we should all be so blessed to be remembered with such a wonderful love. God Bless you All.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
Had to be one of the dearest scriptures to my pastors heart. I can’t remember a sermon he preached that he didn’t find a way to present it while closing and inviting the congregation down to the altars for prayer.
See you on the other side Bro. Barney.
Love and prayers for Sis. Billie and the rest of the family.