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Obituary For Arnett Barksdale
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.
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Peace Lily was sent for Arnett Barksdale - March 20, 2024
May the soul of the dearly departed rest in peace. Arnett, I will never forget your infectious smile. My deepest condolences to the family. Sandra Fowler
Condolences and prayers to the family Brenda Lyles and family
My condolences to the family and friends of Arnett. I'm so saddened to hear of his passing. May God bless his soul as he rests in heavenly peace.
The song goes "The earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal." My prayer in this time of loss is that the Family can hold onto the good times until we all meet again. God bless you all. Gerald Jackson
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of Arnett.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Peace Be With You! Karla & Karl Stewart
Words cannot express my feelings of loosing my cousin. Edward and Arnett were more like the little brothers that I never had. We spent summers in Laurens as children and grew up together. They honored me by being groomsmen in my wedding. As we became adults we didn't see each other often but always knew what the other was doing. I will miss you, Arnett but I know we will be together again! Loosing you, Arnett leaves one more empty spot in my heart! Rest In Peace!! We love you cousin! Marinetta, Adamma, Benjamin, Adam and Anaiya
Our hearts are heavy and hurting in the death of our neighbor . To the Barksdale family and other family and friends, we send our deepest sympathy and love. Izell and Bessie Black Michelle Black
Edward, I am so, so sorry and shocked to learn that Arnett has passed. We were dear friends and great newspaper staff competitors. He kept me on my toes and had many nice memories. It was so wonderful knowing him, you and your parents. May he rest in peace. If it's acceptable, would you send your contact information so that we can stay in touch. I have close cousins in Duluth, Ga., that I visit occasionally. Maybe we can get together when I'm there and reminisce. Truly, Debbie Gates in Maryland (JCSU Class of '77).
Condolences and Prayers🙏🙌🙏🙌 to the Barksdale and Carree families. Arnett and I would keep each other informed about our classmates or anybody that we knew. I'm truly going to miss him. Trudy Woodruff
To Edward and family: So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. May God give you comfort and peace. Did not know Arnette, but know that as a friend of yours, I pray for your peace as you go through this sorrowful time. Barbara Rutledge (BJ)
Arneett you will be missed very much your mirror dancing girl dear friend sorry for your family in this time
MY DEAR FRIEND ARNETT MY FLESH IS SO HURT THAT YOU HAD TO GO BUT MY SOUL REJOICES KNOWING YOU ARE IN HEAVEN GOD HAD YOU TEACHING SUNDAY SCHOOL SURELY THAT HAS YOU IN OUR LOVE ALWAYS IS FREIDA JOHNSON C SMITH UNIVERSITY THE GREATEST CLASS OF THE UNIVERSE CLASS OF 1977
Hey Ed sorry to hear the news that your brother had passed. My condolences to you and your entire family. D. Martin 🎺🎺
I am sending condolences to the Barksdale family. Ed and Yasmin are my colleagues and best friends. Even though I never met Arnett, I knew of him through Ed's mannerism, very polite and kind! I am sending all who knew Arnett, directly and/or indirectly heartfelt condolences.
Love, Dr Sherry Moon- Eberhart aka- Shell
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
So Sorry 😭Rest in Paradise.. praying (Tweety Rick Nash)
My heart is hurting at the loss of my "nephew" Arnett. Rip in peace nephew. You will always be in my heart. Auntie Ella
Previous memory by Aileen Martin
Arnette was a kind hearted gentil man of God. He was very active at St Paul church and will be greatly missed, especially in our Sunday school, he was one of our teachers. My prayers and condolences are with his family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
