Richard Leon Barnett

Richard Leon Barnett, 66, of Plano, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 25 ^th .

Richard was born on December 12th, 1953 in Cullman, Alabama to George Leon and Mary Jean Barnett.  He was raised in Hartselle, Alabama where he enjoyed wrestling, basketball, spelunking, and chess.  Richard met his wife Nancy while attending Auburn University.  After receiving a business degree from Auburn, he received a Masters of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Richard and Nancy married on September 11th, 1976 in Decatur, Alabama.  During their 43 years of marriage they enjoyed playing tennis and traveling. They first lived in Birmingham, Alabama, where their two children, Lisa and David, were born.  They also lived in Coral Springs, Florida before moving to Plano, Texas in 1988.  Richard worked as a marketing executive in the telemarketing industry where he had the opportunity to travel around the world.

To say that he was a person of many talents and areas of knowledge would be an understatement.  He was a history enthusiast that also loved to conduct his own research.  His insatiable thirst for learning resulted in the mastery of many subjects.  He attended culinary school, enjoyed painting, and was learning how to play the guitar in later years. Richard was an excellent golfer that qualified for the Senior PGA Tour.  He was a licensed ham radio operator, volunteered for the American Red Cross and served on the City of Plano Library council.

In more recent years, Richard spent much of his time with his beloved grandchildren.  He would take Brooke, 6, fishing, build Legos with Hudson, 4, and color with Kate, 3.  He enjoyed fly fishing, Tai Chi and keeping up with current events.  Richard was very helpful and supportive to family and friends.  He showed his care for those closest to him by always being there for them, whether it was picking up his granddaughter from school or changing a lightbulb.

Richard is survived by his wife Nancy; daughter Lisa and her husband Rich Donaldson; son David and his wife Kristina; grandchildren Brooke, Hudson, and Kate; brother Bill and his wife, Pam; nephews William, Matthew and Michael.  He was preceded in death by his parents George Leon and Mary Jean and his younger brother Jon Lee.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday, January 31, 2020 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Allen Family Funeral Options. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 8:00 pm in the chapel at the funeral home.