Donald Wayne Barnett

Donald Wayne Barnett, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, in the compassionate care of Hospice after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. He was 75 years old.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Leaksville United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from Noon to 2pm, at Leaksville United Methodist Church.

Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Reidsville on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 11am.

Wayne was born on February 2, 1950, in Goodwater, Alabama, to Carl Jackson Barnett Jr. and Carol Allene Godbee. He grew up with a love for music that shaped the course of his life and career. Wayne earned his Bachelor of Science in 1973 from the University of South Alabama, where he was honored with the Outstanding Senior and Outstanding Bandsman Awards. He went on to complete his Master of Arts in 1974 at Appalachian State University, where he met his wife of 47 years, Sharon Barnett. Together they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and devotion.

A gifted musician and educator, Wayne was a charter member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at South Alabama, serving as president of the Epsilon Delta Chapter. He taught percussion and directed ensembles while in graduate school before beginning his teaching career at Hardin Park School and Watauga High School. In 1976, he moved to Eden City Schools, where he taught band and orchestra at Morehead High School and Holmes Junior High.

In 1990, Wayne transitioned into school leadership, serving as assistant principal at Leakesville Spray Intermediate and Morehead High School, and later as principal at Western Rockingham Middle School. He retired in 2008 after a decade as principal of Rockingham County High School, having dedicated 32 of his 34 years of service to Rockingham County Schools. His impact as both an educator and administrator left a lasting mark on countless students, staff, and community members.

Music remained at the center of Wayne’s life. He was a proud member of the Danville Symphony Orchestra and the Rockingham County Community Band, where he performed as timpanist alongside esteemed fellow musicians. He joyfully shared his gift of music through church, schools, and other community programs.

Wayne’s excellence was recognized through numerous honors, including:

• 1970 – Charter Member, Pi Mu Alpha
• 1972 – President, Epsilon Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
• 1972 – Outstanding Senior & Outstanding Bandsman, University of South Alabama
• 1974 – Society of Pi Kappa Lambda
• 1982 – C.O.P.E. Award, Eden Junior Service League
• 1985 – Outstanding Young Educator, Eden JC’s
• 1987 – Excellence in Teaching Award, NC Bandmasters Association
• 1987 – Conductor, Central District All-State Symphonic Band
• 1998 – Certificate of Achievement, Leadership Rockingham
• 1998 – Outstanding Service, Madison-Mayodan Rotary Club
• 2000 & 2007 – Wachovia Principal of the Year, Rockingham County Schools
• 2004 – Service Award, Reidsville Rotary Club
• 2005 – Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award
• 2005 – Lighthouse School Award, Rockingham County High School

He also guided Morehead High School’s marching band to numerous superior ratings in competitions.

Beyond his professional life, Wayne lived with great joy and purpose. He especially loved fishing trips with great friends to places such as Alaska, Wyoming, Canada, and Montana. If the weather was nice, he could almost always be found in a river, rod in hand. At home, Wayne was equally at peace in his shed, where he planned and created countless woodworking projects. Many family members and friends treasure the furniture he crafted with skill and love. If he wasn’t in the shed or the river, he was spending time with his three beloved grandchildren—watching trains go by, sharing lunch, snuggling in a chair, or taking them outside to help clean up the yard. He especially cherished the summer weeks they came for “Nana & Papa Camp.” There's nothing quite like having two retired educators as grandparents to create a tradition filled with laughter, learning, and love.

Wayne was an active leader in his church and civic life, serving on the Administrative Board, Church Council, and as president of the Men’s Club at Leakesville United Methodist Church. He also gave his time to the Madison-Mayodan and Reidsville Rotary Clubs, co-chaired fundraisers, and encouraged service among students by helping establish high school clubs. His leadership extended statewide through roles such as President of the Triad 3-A Athletic Conference and Principal Representative Chair on the North Carolina High School Network Board of Directors.

Wayne is preceded in death by his father, Carl Jackson Barnett Jr.; his mother, Carol Allene Godbee; and his brothers, David Barnett and Steve Barnett. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Barnett; his sons Keith (Sherry) Barnett and Kyle (Lisa) Barnett; his beloved grandchildren Kian, Lily, and Carson; his brothers Ken (Suwhan) Barnett and Scott (Melanie) Godbee; and sister-in-law Sue Barnett as well as other family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, students, and the community he served so faithfully.

The family wishes to thank Hospice for their care and compassion during Wayne’s final days.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wayne’s honor to:

• -Leaksville United Methodist Church Music Program, 603 Henry Street, Eden, NC

• -Ancora (Gibson House) Compassionate Care, 2150 Hwy 65, Wentworth, NC 27875

• -Danville Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 11491, Danville, VA 24543

Wayne lived a life full of music, service, and love, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him. Roll Tide.