Former Travelers Rest mayor, longtime doctor dies at 92

MARIETTA, S.C. — A former Travelers Rest mayor and well-known member of the medical community passed away at his home on Thurs., Feb. 21.

Dr. James Earle Barnett, who was 92 at the time of his passing, began his medical practice in Travelers Rest in 1955 and served generations of Greenville County residents. He also has been a civic leader and advocate for the area, serving two terms as mayor of Travelers Rest and contributing to infrastructure development to help the area grow.

According to friends and family members, Dr. Barnett’s devotion to his patients and the community inspired him to become involved in local politics. After noticing that his patients were becoming gravely ill due to no sewer system and limited water lines, Dr. Barnett began petitioning for change. As a result, he ran for Mayor of Travelers Rest in 1969 on the platform of bringing much needed infrastructure - specifically a sewer system and clean water - to all parts of the community. During his two terms in office, he was successful in achieving his goal, and in the process, he passionately paved the way for the YMCA, the Travelers Rest Library and the Greenville Hospital System outpost - all to be realized after his terms in office.

Funeral services will be held Mon., Feb. 25 at Travelers Rest United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Travelers Rest United Methodist Church, 19 S. Main St, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690.

Online condolences may be expressed here.

Howze Mortuary in Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements.

Read Dr. Barnett's full obituary here.

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