Earl Wesley Barnett

Earl Wesley Barnett, 77, of Creedmoor, NC died Friday October 9th, 2026, at the Durham VA hospital after severe health issues. He was a loving and dedicated father, grandfather, great grandfather, a veteran of the United States Army, and a sports enthusiast. He retired from TEI Construction Services, in which he served as an industrial boilermaker for more than 40 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching Nascar and football, attending classic car shows, and cooking. He also cherished spending time with his friends and fellow veterans at The American Legion Post # 7 in Durham, NC.

He was the son of the late Louise Anna Barnett and James Clifton Barnett both of Durham, NC.

He is preceded in death by his wife Eloise Barnett of Durham, NC, brother Kenneth Barnett of Durham, brother Mike Barnett of Alton, VA, Brother Johnny Barnett of Creedmoor, Brother James “Scrappy” Barnett of Durham, Sister Margaret “Grey” Flessner of Durham, Sister Billie Faye Grant of Dunn, Sister Ethel Smith of Tulsa, Okla, and Sister Mary Barnett of Durham.

Surviving is his daughter, Toni Watkins of Louisburg (husband Larry Watkins); stepdaughter, Tina Freeman of Creedmoor (husband Scott Freeman); two sisters, Janie Scott of Creedmoor (husband Michael Scott) and Loray Averette of Gibsonville, NC.

He is also survived by two grandchildren, Mason Speight of Fremont, NC (husband Ashley Speight), and Connor Freeman of Creedmoor, and six great grandchildren, Avery Speight, Beau Speight, Tripp Speight, Gentry Speight, Austin Speight, and Layla Speight of Fremont, NC and many loving nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Sossamon Funeral Home of Creedmoor, followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery on Cheek Rd Durham, NC.