Fred Barnett, age 73, of Hanceville, died Thursday, June 16th. Fred was a 1967 graduate of Hanceville High School. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Ballard, and together they embarked on a 54 year journey that would see them move 27 times across Alabama and North Georgia. Along the way, he and Connie were blessed by special friends in Andalusia, Evergreen, Moulton, Hanceville, and Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Fred enjoyed a career in retail management/ service that lasted almost 50 years, working for Elmores, Moore Handley, Wicks Lumber, and most recently Walker's Discount. He proudly served eight years in the Alabama National Guard. Fred was a Christian husband, father, and grandfather, and was a member of the Church of Christ, serving at various times as a Bible class teacher and elder. He enjoyed all things Auburn, Sunday afternoon NASCAR, tinkering on cars, and spending time with his family. He was called "PaPa" by two special grandchildren for whom he would have gladly moved heaven and earth. For them, he gladly attended birthdays, ballgames, musicals, Grandparent Days, and choral performances.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, son, Chris and wife Tonya, and two grandchildren, Emily and Micah, along with some special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garfield and Lois Barnett, sister, Jean Freeman, and brother Carl

Barnett. Visitation will be Friday, June 17th from 6pm - 8pm at Hanceville Funeral Home, with Funeral Services on Saturday, June 18th at 11:00am. Internment will follow at Bethlehem East Cemetery.