Thomas Campbell Barnett, III

Thomas “Campbell” Barnett III passed away on Thursday July 11 in Anderson, SC.  He was the beloved only child of TC and Nell Henry Barnett and he was the adored husband of 39 years of Claire Pursley Barnett.

He was raised in the Clover, SC community of Bethel.  He had many lifelong friends from childhood and a huge extended family of Henrys and Barnetts.  He graduated from Clover High in 1967 and was a class favorite voted “wittiest and most spirited”.

He enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in CA.  He loved to tell stories of his four years in the Navy and always said it was one of the best times of his life.  When he returned to Clover, he worked and studied at Limestone College to get his Industrial Engineering degree after which he began a long career at Homelite and Amp, Inc.  Campbell was an active member of the Clover JC’s, a 46-year lifetime member of the Alpine 208 Masonic Lodge and attended Bethel Presbyterian Church and was on Bethel Cemetery Board of Directors.

Campbell and Claire lived many years on Lake Wylie where their home, dock and gazebo were a popular hub of social activity.  Besides Claire, Clemson football was Campbell’s other great love.  They attended most home games and many away and bowl games.  Campbell recorded games and could watch them over and over.  

After Campbell retired, they moved to N. Myrtle Beach. They made many more friends and had special neighbors on 5th  Ave South.  They loved the beach and the shag community, and loved to entertain friends and family who came to visit.

They moved to a lake house in Townville 8 years ago and attended Oakdale Baptist Church. Later they moved to Clemson Downs and once again, Campbell got to know so many of the residents and was always so interested in their life stories.  Campbell was one of a kind and very special to all he encountered over his life.  He had a love for adventure and fun and a curiosity to learn new things.

Campbell is survived by stepdaughter Amy Williams Halliday (Craig) of Milton, GA and stepson Chris Williams (Leslie) of Beaufort, SC.  Surviving grandchildren are Matt (Laura) and Evan (Jenny) Halliday, Caroline Lane (Jared), Grant, Erin and Ryan Williams as well as eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be on Friday July 26th at 2:00pm at Bethel Presbyterian Church.  Given the hot

summer weather, Campbell would want everyone to dress comfortably and wear his favorite color, orange. 

Memorial gifts may be sent to Clemson Downs CARC INC Foundation, 150 Downs Blvd. Apt B-205 Clemson, SC 29631

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.

Bratton Funeral Home of York, SC is serving the Barnett family.

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