William Ray "Bill" Barnett

William (Bill) Barnett

Bill passed from this life into his eternal reward on Sunday, October 25, 2020.  He passed away at Herrin Hospital, surrounded in the love of his family. Bill was born in Marion, IL on September 14, 1948.  He was the son of Verbal and Betty (Robinson) Barnett.  Bill was a coal miner, toolmaker, and master gunsmith. After 26 years of service, he retired as a toolmaker from General Dynamics in 2015. He was known to many as “The Gun Doctor”.  For over 35 years, he was well-known for his excellent work as a gunsmith; he continued this profession until the very end.

Bill married Jerrie McHargue Dooley on January 6, 1994.  He is survived by his wife, Jerrie of Herrin, daughters, Aimee (Jai) Owens of West Frankfort, Jamie Travelstead of West Frankfort, Jodi (Paul) Hawkins of Marion, stepdaughter Jennifer (Kevin) Pierce of Johnston City and son in law Kevin Chrostoski of Herrin.  Grandchildren, Jaleigh (Sherman) Taylor of Marion, Kallie (Gary) Clark of Troy, Mo, Colt Chrostoski of Herrin, Henry Chrostoski of West Frankfort, Kaleb Pierce of Johnston City and Danielle Pierce of Vienna .  Great Grandkids, the “Taylor Tots”, Logan and Lucy of Marion, IL and the “Clark Bars”, Kameron and Maverick of Troy, MO; his sister Mary Mausey of Marion, brother, David (Patty) Barnett of Marion, his godchildren, Joshua and Sarah Benitone of Carterville, and several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Bill was a member of Community of Faith Church, where he served as a greeter and team leader of security.  Bill was a man of strong faith with a humble heart; always thankful to God for his many blessings. In the mornings, Jerrie would often find him outside with his coffee, Bible, and prayer list getting ready for the day.  He could also be found in his gun shop fixing a friend’s gun and end up talking history or having church, and if you were lucky, you’ve been a recipient of one of his famous apple cakes.  Bill was a soft spoken, kind hearted man who gave freely of his time, his many talents and his resources.  His family loved him dearly and even though he will be sorely missed, we take comfort in knowing that he has heard the words “Well done, enter in my good and faithful servant.”  Gun Doctor, we’re gonna miss you.

Funeral services to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the Community of Faith Church (5208 Meadowland Parkway; Marion, IL 62959). Services will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Troy D. Benitone, Rev. Joshua Benitone, and Rev. Kevin McNeely. For those unable to attend services, the funeral will be livestreamed on www.coftv.com or by visiting the Community of Faith Facebook or YouTube page.

Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday, November 6, 2020 at the Community of Faith Church as well as from 10-11am on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at the church. 

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is assisting the family with final arrangements.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Community of Faith Church; 5208 Meadowland Parkway; Marion, IL 62959. 

For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com