William Barnett, Sr., 89, of Memphis, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2009 at his home.

Mr. Barnett, from a Depression era Mississippi youngster to B-25 pilot, was a successful businessman, family man and a breeder of Tennessee Walking Horses. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and past president and owner of American Ready Mix Company, and a fifty year member of the Masonic Lodge. Mr. Barnett was inducted into the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Hall of Fame, was a member of Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, long time President of the Cotton Classic Horse Show, and owner of multiple World Champion and Grand Champion Walking Horses.

Mr. Barnett was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Jo Christie Barnett, two sisters, Tess Thompson and Julia Campbell, and a brother Leon Barnett. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Sue Barnett, his daughter, Billie Jo Gaia and her husband Skip, one son, Bill Barnett, Jr., and his wife Joan, two stepdaughters, Susan Ossorio, and Katherine Wakefield and her husband, Walt, stepson, Jess Ossorio and his wife, Pat, one sister, Georgia Haughey of Florida, one brother, J.B. Barnett of Memphis, eight grandchildren, Laura Galbreath, Stephen Gaia, Emily Brimm, Brittany Barnett, Melanie Barnett, Alec Ossorio, Will Wakefield and Michael Wakefield, and nine great-grandchildren.

The family will received friends and family on Tuesday, November 3, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral service was held at 1 PM on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Memorial Park Funeral Home Riverside Chapel. Interment in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or charity of donor’s choice.