Ishmael Bryant Barnett, age 83 of Jemison, passed away on Feb. 14, 2013.

He will be truly missed by all who knew him because of the kind person he was. Philippians 2:3-4 is such a fitting verse for the kind of life Ishmael Barnett lived:

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also the interest of others.”

Ishmael always put other’s interest before his own. He never sought for materialistic things, yet his family was never without. His love for others was very evident through his humble and gracious spirit of kindness and gentleness. His love of nature was exuberant. In his eyes, the tiniest of God’s creations were the most significant. He revered God’s creations and often said that a walk through the woods was the best therapy for anyone because God’s fingerprints were everywhere. As an avid turkey hunter, he spent countless hours in the woods. Even when he did not come home with a gobbler, he still had stories to tell of how beautiful the wildflowers were, or he described in detail the brilliant colors of the sunrise and its warmth on his face.

His most treasured legacy that he leaves is the time he spent with each child and grandchild. His grandchildren never asked for gifts or monetary things from him. They simply asked for him to take them on a walk in the woods, or let them drive the car around the field, or to simply crawl in his lap and have him tell them a story. These are the treasured memories that will never be forgotten.

He is survived by: wife, Katherine Barnett of Jemison; daughter, Judy (Allen) Carroll of Thorsby; son, Glenn (Patty) Barnett of Thorsby; son, Barry (Teresa) Barnett of Thorsby; son, Rodney (Angie) Barnett of Thorsby; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean (Jack) Hubbard of Centreville; a host of nieces, nephews and other friends; he is also survived by his loving canine companion, Pocket.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Barnett Family Cemetery in Perry County with the Rev. William Key officiating.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to Ellison-Cleckler Funeral Home of Clanton.

www.ellisonclecklerfuneralhome.com.