Frank Barnett

Frank Barnett – age 82 of Knoxville passed away Friday July 15, 2016. Frank Graduated from Knoxville High School in 1950. He attended the University of Tennessee and served in the United States Marine Corps and, graduated from UT Law School in 1959. Frank was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and captain of the UT swimming team. He served as a member of the UT Athletics Board and his name is inscribed on the Letterman’s Wall of Fame at UT. Frank led an amazing life believing there was no excuse for being bored. He traveled to all 50 states, 5 US territories and 47 foreign countries. He was always looking for the next adventure. Frank began his career as a Special Agent for the FBI. He later joined East Tennessee Natural Gas Company as house council and was a founding partner in the Baker, Worthington, Barnett and Crossley law firm. When he left the law firm, Frank became Executive Assistant to Governor Winfield Dunn. After managing the statewide campaign for Richard Nixon, Frank was named Lt. Governor and subsequently, Governor of American Samoa. In 1982, Franks was asked to help bring China to the World’s Fair as an exhibitor. The effort was successful and the appearance was the first time China had exhibited outside of China in over 50 years. Recently, Frank completed a six year term on the Tennessee Board of Regents where he served as chair of the international committee and on the technology committee. During his time on the board, he was instrumental in the formation of the Tennessee Center for International Studies located in Knoxville. The Center provides study abroad experiences for students from throughout the state. Other boards Frank served on included District Export Council to the United States Department of Commerce, Federal Home Loan Bank Board in Cincinnati and many others. He was Chair on the Tennessee Export Council, The Richard Petty Service Company and first Heritage National Bank. In 2010, Frank served in Kandahar, Afghanistan as a General Development Officer for the United States Agency for International Development with responsibilities in governance and rule of law. He was involved in many projects for the Afghan people including potable water project, infrastructure development and obtaining funding for a new law school. Frank leaves behind his wife of over 40 years, Carolyn Barnett, daughter Michelle Brown and her husband Larry Brown, son Brian Lee Barnett and his brother Eugene Barnett, as well as many lifelong friends who were very dear to him. Frank’s family will receive friends from 5:00 pm – 7:00pm on Wednesday July 20th at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Private Family burial. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com

Tributes

Frank Barnett

July 15, 2016