Larry Douglas Barnett, 82, of Southern Pines, passed away on July 20, 2026. Born on March 24, 1944, in Demorest, Georgia, he was the son of the late William Douglas Barnett and Doris Hendrickson Barnett.
He is survived by his devoted wife of more than 64 years, Jane “Betty” Rudolph Barnett; his children Jenny Jones (Tommy) of Asheboro, Mark Barnett (Tammy) of Robbins, and Sandra Wright (Matthew) of Farmville; his grandchildren Sydney Neal (Bryce), Rachel Jones, Lyle Barnett (Melissa), Lindsey Barnett, Brandon McNeill (Katie), Ethan Galloway (Alicia), Caleb Galloway (Leah), Lauren Reyes (Elias), and Mary Beth Wright; and his great-grandchildren Hayes Neal, Knox Neal, Hallie Neal, Nash Barnett, Lennon Barnett, Emory McNeill, Sawyer McNeill, and Stetson Galloway. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn Barnett Tench (Marcus) of Demorest, Georgia, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Larry grew up in Demorest and graduated in 1962 from South Habersham High School, where he lettered in three sports for four years. He earned a degree in Geography from the University of Georgia in 1966. After college, he worked for the Heart of Georgia Area Planning and Development Commission. In 1972, he relocated to Elizabethtown, North Carolina, becoming Executive Director of the Southeastern Economic Development Commission, a nine-county region associated with the EDA.
In 1977, Larry accepted the role of Executive Director of the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport Commission. This work brought him great satisfaction—recruiting industry, strengthening airport operations, and expanding water and sewer systems to support economic growth. Through farmland leasing and timber management, he helped the airport and industrial park become self-sustaining. His leadership extended statewide: he served on the NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Land Surveyors for ten years, including terms as vice-chair in 1989 and 1996. He was President of the NC Airports Association from 1983–1985 and President of the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce in 1997. He also guided LMAC to a close finish in the Global TransPark competition. Larry retired in 2005.
Larry possessed a remarkable imagination and a gift for bringing ideas to life. Whether developing major projects in his professional career or pursuing woodworking, automobile repair, and painting, he approached every endeavor with curiosity, skill, and determination. He built cabinets and furniture, landscaped and created gardens, and designed the project home he and his wife built after retiring to Moore County. He could repair almost anything and was always learning new techniques.
He was genuinely kind, always ready to lend a helping hand and never met a stranger. His generous heart and unforgettable stories brought joy to so many and he was blessed with countless friends whose lives were better for knowing him. He was deeply loved by his family. His children and grandchildren cherished his enthusiastic support of their academic, athletic, racing, and musical pursuits. His presence and encouragement made each of them feel he was their biggest fan. He was also a lifelong, passionate fan of his alma mater and never missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Bulldogs.
Larry was a faithful and dedicated church member, often serving as Trustees’ Chairman at First Methodist Church of Laurinburg and Cool Springs Methodist Church in Moore County. In recent years, he worshiped at the Penick Village Chapel.
The family prefers that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Penick Village, Inc., or The Parkinson’s Foundation.
A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 29. Family visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall at 3:00 PM. The Rev. Linda Nye will officiate. Boles Funeral Home is assisting the family.
