Today I learned that DR. RONALD BARNETTE, who was HEAD of the Philosophy Dept at Valdosta State University when I was an undergraduate, passed away. Below is the Obituary, and a message I posted in memory...
Obituary for Ronald Lee Barnette
Family and friends grieve the loss of our beloved Ronald (Ron) Lee Barnette who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 80 on Thursday, November 17, 2022.
Ron was born on July 7, 1942, in Compton, Los Angeles, California, to Max and Eileen Barnette. The family later settled in Ukiah, California, before making Laguna Beach, CA their permanent home. Ron graduated from Ukiah High School in 1960. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from California State University - Long Beach in 1967. He also attended Berkeley University and the University of Oxford during the course of his educational development. He obtained his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of California – Irvine in 1972, before beginning his teaching career. His areas of specialization were Logic and Critical Thinking, Applied Ethics, Philosophy of Technology and Education, Philosophy of Science, Minds and Machines. Additional background details can be found at www.ronbarnette.com.
Ron was a long-time resident of Valdosta, Georgia, where he served as Head of the Philosophy Department at Valdosta State University and taught for over 30 years. Throughout his career, Ron was actively involved in the American Philosophical Association (APA). Ron was a pioneer in utilizing the internet for online teaching and supporting research efforts, recognized by numerous awards for his formative innovations. Ron also earned the lifetime designation of Professor Emeritus.
Ron was the consummate promoter of logic and critical thinking. His inclusiveness and tolerance, without judgment, of everyone around him exemplified his dedication as a true humanitarian.
Upon retiring in 2002, he and his wife moved to Dunedin, Florida, where they immediately became engaged in all aspects of their new community. Ron was elected to the Dunedin City Commission, on which he served for over five years. Prior to his election to the Commission, he created the City of Dunedin Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics, which was adopted by the City.
Ron was a member of “The Castells”, a Southern California vocal group in the early 1960’s. Throughout his life, Ron was an author of and contributor to numerous professional publications. Ron and his wife also co-wrote the fictional psychological mystery One More, published in 2020. Ron was an enthusiastic reader and loved classic cars, having been an amateur drag racer in his youth.
Ron was a loving and devoted husband and father. Together with his wife of 49 and a half years, Candy McKibben Barnette, they lived a rich and full life traveling and hosting extraordinary social gatherings in their home and in the community. Ron loved to entertain and had a devilish sense of humor and wit, which led to a lifetime of laughter.
Ron was preceded in death by his father, Max, his mother, Eileen, and his brother Gregg. He is survived by his wife Candy, his son Daron Wiemeyer, his daughters Blair Barnette (Cem) and Rebecca Barnette Bernier (Mark), and granddaughter Anna Elizabeth Bernier, and by his aunt Gay Harter, and cousins Darcy Thornborrow, Danny and Doug Meester, Dennis and Wesley Morrissey, Debi Hempel and Rocky Harter, and his sweet, furry feline companion, Kibbie.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ron’s name made to the Dunedin History Museum, Dunedin International Film Festival (DIFF), Dunedin Library, Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC), and Dunedin Cares, Inc., are appreciated. All friends are welcome to join Ron’s family in celebrating his phenomenal life well-lived at his memorial service, to be held on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Historic Andrews Memorial Chapel, 1899 San Mateo Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698.
Ron was a long-time resident of Valdosta, Georgia, where he served as Head of the Philosophy Department at Valdosta State University and taught for over 30 years. Throughout his career, Ron was actively involved in the American Philosophical Association (APA). Ron was a pioneer in utilizing the internet for online teaching and supporting research efforts, recognized by numerous awards for his formative innovations. Ron also earned the lifetime designation of Professor Emeritus.
Ron was the consummate promoter of logic and critical thinking. His inclusiveness and tolerance, without judgment, of everyone around him exemplified his dedication as a true humanitarian.
Upon retiring in 2002, he and his wife moved to Dunedin, Florida, where they immediately became engaged in all aspects of their new community. Ron was elected to the Dunedin City Commission, on which he served for over five years. Prior to his election to the Commission, he created the City of Dunedin Code of Core Values for Civility and Ethics, which was adopted by the City.
Ron was a member of “The Castells”, a Southern California vocal group in the early 1960’s. Throughout his life, Ron was an author of and contributor to numerous professional publications. Ron and his wife also co-wrote the fictional psychological mystery One More, published in 2020. Ron was an enthusiastic reader and loved classic cars, having been an amateur drag racer in his youth.
Ron was a loving and devoted husband and father. Together with his wife of 49 and a half years, Candy McKibben Barnette, they lived a rich and full life traveling and hosting extraordinary social gatherings in their home and in the community. Ron loved to entertain and had a devilish sense of humor and wit, which led to a lifetime of laughter.
Ron was preceded in death by his father, Max, his mother, Eileen, and his brother Gregg. He is survived by his wife Candy, his son Daron Wiemeyer, his daughters Blair Barnette (Cem) and Rebecca Barnette Bernier (Mark), and granddaughter Anna Elizabeth Bernier, and by his aunt Gay Harter, and cousins Darcy Thornborrow, Danny and Doug Meester, Dennis and Wesley Morrissey, Debi Hempel and Rocky Harter, and his sweet, furry feline companion, Kibbie.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ron’s name made to the Dunedin History Museum, Dunedin International Film Festival (DIFF), Dunedin Library, Dunedin Fine Art Center (DFAC), and Dunedin Cares, Inc., are appreciated. All friends are welcome to join Ron’s family in celebrating his phenomenal life well-lived at his memorial service, to be held on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Historic Andrews Memorial Chapel, 1899 San Mateo Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698.
Dave McDonald
I don't know how to say it any clearer than this: Thank You, Doc. First as a Professor and Mentor, and later as a Friend, Critic and, Supporter. I, and so many others had the privilege to interact with and learn from you, and it is a debt that can never be repaid. However, knowing you, repayment is not the correct term. "Give to others the Time and Effort I gave to you, and we'll be even." There is no greater epitaph for a life spent teaching others that the search for Truth and Wisdom was the noblest goal of all, and one that should not be taken lightly, especially by those who seek to be called PHILOSOPHER. To Candy and the Family, there is nothing I can say that will make it easier, but I think he was as proud of you, as you were of him. DAVID.
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