E. Edward Barnett
E. Edward “Weenie” Barnett grew up in Salem with a love for sports and a particular penchant for boxing. Graduating from Andrew Lewis High School in 1937, he left behind the knowledge of having been captain of both a basketball and baseball teams as well as being a respectable football player despite his small stature. But even during the high school years, boxing was paramount to him. At age 16 he entered the “Golden Glove” amateur program in Roanoke. That was in 1936, and before hanging up is gloves for college ten years later, “Weenie” had 88 fights - amateur and professional – winning 75, losing 12 and drawing once.
He fought in Madison Square Garden, Detroit, other large cities in the country and various military bases. During World War 11 he served in the navy for 4 years as both a boxing and physical education instructor at several bases but principally at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station where instruction was provided to both navy and marine personal. Many in the boxing field were of the opinion that “Weenie” had all the potential necessary to become a champion in his weight division.
It was by coincidence that shortly after being discharged from the service, he was offered the opportunity to be the athletic director at Bluefield Junior College while pursuing an education. He accepted and graduated from the school in 1948 and received a degree from nearby Concord College in 1950. He earned his masters degree from Indiana University and did additional work at the University of Virginia and Radford University.
He began his teaching career with the Roanoke County School System at Bent Mountain High School where he was both a teacher and coach. Other assignments followed at Back Creek Elementary, Cave Spring High School, William Byrd Junior High School, Andrew Lewis High School and Salem Intermediate; the latter two as assistant principal and principal, respectively.
In this chosen career his real was working with those students in need of new direction in their outlook toward education. Working “one on one” he was able to convert many potential drop- outs into otherwise good students who, under his tutoring, remained in school and completed their education. Prior to retirement, he took on the assignment of being a visiting teacher for Roanoke County and, later, was called out of retirement to encourage students to continue the education process.
“Weenie” received many accolades for his years of dedicated service working with students, but none pleased him more than receiving the Freedom Foundation’s Teachers Medal. He had also been acclaimed for involvement in many areas of community service that ranged from years of coaching. Little League Baseball to serving as a Trustee at Fork Union Military Academy.
“Weenie” is married to Betty Trosper Barnett, a now retired registered nurse, and they have two children, Linda B. Smith and the Reverend Edward Barnett. “Weenie” and Betty are members of the First United Methodist Church in Salem.
In recognition of his outstanding career achievements, E. Edward “Weenie” Barnett was among the charter members inducted into the Salem Alumni Hall of Fame established by the Salem Educational Foundation and Alumni Association in 1996.
