Roy Alexander Barnett, Jr., age 87 of Marion, AL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 26, 2024. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Siloam Baptist Church with John Nicholson officiating and Kirk Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and services at 2:00pm. Graveside services will follow at Marion Cemetery.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Alexander Barnett, Sr. and Emma Lou Harrison and his loving wife of 60 years, Miriam Inez Donavan. He is survived by his three daughters, Gayle Westmoreland (Benny) of Collierville, TN, Camille Rivenbark (Lee) of Auburn and Clair Riggs (Lloyd) of Auburn; grandchildren Tripp Westmoreland (Laura), Emily Crawford Rivenbark Hicks (Huston), David Rivenbark (Kaylee), Ashley Sarnicola, Ryan Riggs, Harrison Riggs (Taylor), Griffin Riggs, and Stephen Riggs (Kaylin); great grandchildren Harris Hicks, Hudson Riggs and Allie Westmoreland. He is also survived by his nephews Donny Barton (Amelia), Dudley Barton (Karen), Carleton Barton (Heather), and Frank Barton (Alice) and nine great-nieces, two great-nephews, three great-great nieces and two great-great nephews.
Roy was a native of Marion, graduating in 1955 from Perry County High School. Roy worked summers at local pharmacies while he attended Centenary College and Howard College, now known as Samford University, pursuing his pharmacy degree. He played basketball at both schools, was captain of the basketball team at Howard and a member of the ODK Honorary Fraternity and Pi Kappa Alpha Social Fraternity. After graduation he joined his uncle, Jim Harrison, Sr. and his cousin Jimmy at Druid Drugs in Tuscaloosa. Roy and Inez settled back in Marion in 1963 when he bought Scruggs for Drugs and changed the name to College City Drugs. Roy was widely recognized as a true trailblazer in the field of retail pharmacy. He later sold his practice and worked part-time for several years until his retirement in 2015. Roy was awarded the highest honor by the Alabama Pharmacy Association and was a 2020 inductee into the Alabama Pharmacy Hall of Fame.
Over the years, Roy gave of his time, talents, and finances to community service projects that have benefited the citizens of Marion. He served tirelessly in various positions by serving as a City Councilman from 1988-1992 and Mayor pro tem. He helped form the first Chamber of Commerce for Marion in 2002 and served as its first president. He served on the Board of Trustees at Judson College and was an active member of the Board of Trustees at Marion Community Bank.
Roy was recognized in 1990 with the Distinguished Service Award from the Alabama League of Municipalities. In 1976 he was named Marion’s Citizen of the Year. Roy was recognized for his time and talents given to the Sowing Seeds of Hope organization in 2017 with their Award of Distinction for Exceptional Leadership and Commitment to Making a Difference by Faithfully Sowing Seeds of Hope. He was recognized in 2022 as Marion’s Main Street Hero by the Main Street Alabama non-profit organization.
Roy was a lifetime member of Siloam Baptist Church where he has held many roles of leadership including Sunday School Teacher, and choir member, and he served on many committees throughout the years. He served as a Deacon, Chairman of the Deacons, and Deacon Emeritus. Roy and Inez nurtured many Judson and MMI college students through the years with the adopt-a-student program. His love for his church, family, and community was extraordinary.
Roy and Inez operated a fishing club for almost 25 years. He enjoyed painting, golf, yardwork, and grandchildren’s sporting events over the years. Roy had an infectious smile that greeted every person he encountered. His presence will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Siloam Baptist Church, 505 Washington Street, Marion, AL 36756, or to Marion Cemetery Fund, 1806 Oak Crest Drive, Marion, AL 36756.
