Arnett Eugene Barksdale moved from earth to eternity on March 10, 2024. He is the son of the late Lucille Crumlin Barksdale and the late Edward Nathaniel Barksdale, Sr.

He was born Saturday morning, March 5, 1955, in the city of Spartanburg, SC. Arnett grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal spiritual family of Trinity A.M.E Church. As a member at Trinity, he sang in the Youth Choir and was an usher. Also, during his time at St. Paul, Arnett was involved in numerous program activities.

Later, Arnett joined the church community of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Usher Board, taught Sunday School and was a member of the Sympathy Club. He was later appointed as a Trustee. Also, during his time at St. Paul, Arnett was involved in numerous program activities. Arnett thoroughly enjoyed serving in these capacities and was a very faithful member.

Arnett attended Mary H. Wright Elementary School. Then, he attended Carver Junior High School and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1973. While in high school, Arnett played tenor saxophone in the school band, served on the Student Government Association, the Black History Club, and the Future Teachers of America. Also, he was a staff writer for the school newspaper in addition to being a bus driver for the school.

Arnett attended college at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC from 1973-1977. He received a B.A. Degree in Mass Communications. While at Smith, he was editor of the school newspaper, staff writer for the paper, and member of the school’s bands. Additionally, Arnett was also a member of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. where he served as President and Dean of Pledges.

Arnett served in the United States Army. He was an Army Photo/Journalist from 1981-1986. He completed his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and his advanced individualized training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

He continued his journey in the Army at the Presidio in San Francisco, California. While serving there, Arnett was editor of the base newspaper. It was during this time that he became a passionate Forty Niner’s fan.

Arnett then moved on to Fort Lewis, Washington where he served as Sports Editor/Staff Writer. While stationed in The Republic of South Korea, Arnett was a Public Affairs Liaison for the joint military exercise Team Spirit.

Arnett’s additional education included graduating from the Department of Defense Information School of Journalism at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

God blessed Arnett with a gift for writing. He authored a Christian spiritual novel, titled “More Than Mere Friends.” During his writing career, he authored over sixty-five published fiction short stories. His work appeared in over eight different magazines, including JIVE, Black Secrets, True Story, Star, and other publications. He was also a staff writer for The Charlotte Post, The Charlotte Observer, and the Focus News in Greenville, S.C. Some of his nonfiction articles were published in the AME Christian Recorder, the Spartanburg Metro, and the Military Guide.

In addition to Arnett’s writing career, he served in retail operations performing various duties. At the time of his passing, Arnett was writing his second novel that was almost completed.

Arnett leaves to cherish his memories: brother, Edward Barksdale, Jr. (Yasmin) of Lithonia, GA; two nephews, Edward (Trey) Barksdale, III (Teva) and Ryan Barksdale, both of Lithonia, GA; two great-nephews, Camden Barksdale and Bryson Barksdale, both of Lithonia, GA; two cousins, who were like brothers, James (Pie) Carree, Jr. of Spartanburg, SC and Ronald Carree of Columbia, SC and a host of cousins, relatives, church members and dear friends.

Arnett was preceded in death by a cousin, who was like a sister, Doris Carree of Spartanburg, SC and a cousin, who was like a brother, Gerald Carree of Louisville, KY.

The Celebration of Life is Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 645 Old Howard Gap Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. Interment will be held in the Heritage Memorial Gardens, 3901 S. Church St Ext.,
Roebuck, SC 29376.