Robert Barnett

Robert James Barnett, M.D. At home with his family, Dr. Barnett, 89, went to be with his Lord, Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Born in Holly Springs, MS to Mary Lee Gordon and Levi Aubrey Barnett as the youngest of four children. Spent his formative years in Greenwood, MS. Received a scholarship to Riverside Military Academy for high school as a french horn player which also paid for his sister and one brother to attend.Graduated from the University of Mississippi and Tulane University completing an M.D. degree in February, 1944. Interned at Southern Baptist Hospital, New Orleans, LA. Was a house physician at the Huey P. Long Charity Hospital, Pineville, LA. Entered the Armed Services as a Captain. Was Post Surgeon at the U.S. Air Force Base at Surinam. Transferred as Chief of Surgery at the U.S. Field Hospital Trinidad. Was in private Family Practice from 1947 to 1950 in Laurel, MS. Completed specialty training in orthopaedic surgery at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C. in 1954. Was Chief of Orthopaedics at the U.S. Army Hospital, Salzburg, Austria as well as consultant for Austria, Italy and Trieste. Responsible for treating injuries for ski trainees of Europe while in Salzburg. Decorated by the Queen of England for treating her majesty?s troops that were critically burned in a fire during his service in Salzburg. In 1955, transferred to the U.S. Army Hospital in Munich, Germany as Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery and consultant for the Southern Area Command, including southern Germany. Made Lieutenant Colonel at the age of 32, one of the youngest in the Army at that time. Honorably served during both World War II and the Korean War. In 1957, became the only orthopaedic surgeon between Memphis and Nashville. In 1958, became Diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons, member of TN Orthopaedic Society, TN Medical Society and West Tennessee Consolidate Medical Assembly. For 30 years treated orthopaedic cases for the West TN Crippled Children Services and started the first Crippled Children service clinic in Jackson, TN. Retired in December, 2007.Preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, LaNita Ainsworth Barnett. Together they had five children. Dr. and Mrs. Barnett, in 1961, assisted with the establishment of the Jackson Symphony and the Jackson Symphony League. Played first chair french horn in the symphony for 30 plus years. Also enjoyed playing french horn for the First Baptist Church Orchestra until April 20, 2008. Dr. Barnett and his tennis partners won 17 state doubles championships to maintain the Number One Ranking in the State of Tennessee. In 1979, ranked 12th nationally in the doubles category with E.A. Hamblin. In 1994, built and family continue to develop the Jackson Tennis and Fitness Club on Old Media Road. Inducted into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame, in 2002, for his lifetime contributions to tennis.Survived by his wife of 10 years, Naida B. Barnett; his brother, Hubert Barnett (94)and wife, Shirley, in Maryville, TN; his five children: LaNita B. Rawley of Las Vegas, NV; Janet B. Humphreys and husband, Larry of Knoxville, TN, Robert J. Barnett, Jr and his wife, Patricia, of Memphis, TN, Kacky Kortenber and husband, Bob, of Germantown, TN and Tina B. Howell and husband, Pete, of Jackson, TN. He has nine grandchildren: Christina Taylor of Oklahoma City, OK; Trey Rawley of Denver, CO; U.S. Navy LT Brian Humphreys of Jacksonville, FL, Andrea Humphreys of Knoxville, TN, Chrisley Barnett of Montana, Kelley Barnett of Montana, Nick Kortenber of Hernando, MS, Katie Kortenber of Memphis, TN and Stuart Howell of Jackson, TN. He has three great-grandchildren: Amber Taylor, Scarlett Humphreys and Billy Kortenber.Visitation and funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, 1627 North Highland Avenue, Jackson, TN on Saturday, January 16, 2010. Visitation is from 11am to 2pm with the funeral services at 2pm. Following the service, there will be a grave side service at Ridgecrest Cemetery.Flowers or memorials should be directed to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, or the Jackson Symphony.