Archie Jerome Barnett III

Archie Jerome Barnett, III, 66, of Bluff Ridge and Gulf Shores, Alabama passed away with his family at his bedside on January 16, 2022 after spending a few days in the hospital. He was a strong, brave man who had survived a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis for 6 years. He kept moving forward surpassing all medical expectations. Born on his parents 7th wedding anniversary, he was a man of many nicknames. To most he was Jerry. To others he was Bubba, Biggun, Dad or PawPaw. He was born on August 21st, 1955 at Bessemer General Hospital to Archie and Hazel Barnett, Jr. The second of three children, his parents instilled a love of family and Alabama football. Two of the many activities they enjoyed together were attending football games at Legion Field and playing golf at Woodward Country Club. Jerry grew up in Hueytown where he became a big fan of the Alabama Gang and NASCAR. It was there that he met his lifelong best friend PD Rogers. He graduated from Hueytown High School in 1973 and attended the University of Montevallo where he made new friendships that have lasted until today. Some of the best memories of his life were made with his fraternity brothers of Pi Kappa Phi. Jerry worked for his family's business The Credit Bureau of Bessemer, Inc. from the time he was just a boy until his death. He began his career filing credit, 10 files for a penny, under his father's tutelage. While working at the Credit Bureau he met the love of his life, the former Debbie Eppison. They married on September 14, 1985 and were married for 36 years. The bride accidentally planned the wedding for the day of the Texas A&M/Bama game at Legion Field. Luckily they were married before the 6:45 kickoff and made it to the honeymoon in time to see Alabama win 23-10. Jerry had three children Jace Barnett, Loryn Barnett Leach and Jared Barnett. They were born to a father who loved them with his whole heart. He made it his mission in life to provide for, protect and guide them. In addition to The Credit Bureau, Jerry began National Application Processing and Screening in April 1997. He loved and appreciated the partnerships and employees he connected with over the years of owning local businesses. In addition to Alabama football Jerry enjoyed spending as much time in Gulf Shores as possible. He spent many happy hours there with friends and family and hosted many a football or Shrimp Festival party. If he had a boat ride, an Alabama game and a party in the same day he had hit his personal trifecta. In his quiet time his favorite things to do were play his guitar and complete the Sunday crossword. He could play the beginning to most any classic rock song. Jerry is survived by his wife Debbie, their three children Jace Barnett and wife Julia Vaughn, Loryn Barnett Leach and husband Stuart Leach, Jared Barnett, one grandson Sawyer Leach, his brother Barry Barnett and wife Tracy, nieces Shelby and Anna, nephew Jackson, sister and brother-in-law Lori and Robin Hardin, nieces Hannah and Hollie, his mother and father-in-law Sally Eppison and James Eppison. He was preceded in death by his parents Archie and Hazel Barnett, Jr., and sister Janet Barnett Brandon. In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to write down your favorite story about Jerry and mail it to his family care of The Credit Bureau of Bessemer, Inc, JERRY'S FAMILY, P.O. Box 590, Bessemer, AL 35020, or make a donation to your favorite charity. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Thank you to Dr. Benjamin Jones of Grandview Cancer Center for 6 years of care.

Archie Jerome Barnett III

August 21, 1955 - January 16, 2022