William Edward "Bill" Barnett

William Edward ""Bill"" Barnett, 91, died Wednesday, October 7, 2015, in Gulfport.
A Gulfport native and a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Bill was born on February 1, 1924 to William Edward Barnett Sr., and Mary Claudia Meek Barnett of Gulfport, and grew up on Woodward Avenue on Gulfport's storied West Side. He was an Eagle Scout, and was a member of the remarkable class of 1942 at Gulfport High School, which continued to have annual class reunions until Hurricane Katrina.
He began studying engineering at Mississippi State University but his studies were interrupted by his service in World War II. His love of airplanes and aviation led him to join the U. S. Army Air Corps, where he served on missions to Europe and North Africa with the Air Transport Command.
After his service to his country, Bill returned to State to complete his education, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He then embarked on a 25-year career in technology as a Customer Engineer for International Business Machines Corporation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. During his years as an ""IBM Man,"" Bill was part of the team of engineers that ran and maintained the large mainframe computers for Stennis Space Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Hancock Bank, Mississippi Power Company and other major businesses and government installations on the Coast and in south Louisiana.
Upon his retirement from IBM, Bill pursued a second career as an accountant. He was also an active hobbyist who enjoyed cartooning, drawing, painting, cooking and golf. His knowledge of golf was extensive, and he delighted in using his engineering skills to design and create custom golf clubs for his friends and family.
In 1956, Bill married the love of his life, Deloris Meaders of Meridian, MS, who survives him. He is also survived by his daughters: Norma Barnett Dees (Steve) of Gulfport; Mary Barnett Labens (Darryl) of Austin, TX; and Robin Barnett and her husband Randall Hicks of Long Beach; and four granddaughters: Lanie Labens and Lili Labens of Austin, TX, and Claudia Hicks and Emma Hicks of Long Beach.
Bill was a humble and gentle man; a quiet, strong and steady presence who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. Engineer, mathematician, artist, devoted husband, loving father. We are all better for having known him.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, on Saturday, October 10, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's name to a charity of your choice.
For more information, please call (228) 539-9800.