Mr. Joshua “Josh” Brent Barnette, 26, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord. Surrounded by the love of his devoted family and cherished friends, Josh triumphantly completed his lifelong journey with muscular dystrophy and received the ultimate victory as he was welcomed into his heavenly home. While his family grieves his absence, they rejoice in knowing he is now free from pain and weakness, made whole in the presence of Christ. Josh's steadfast faith, joyful heart, and the love he so freely shared with everyone he met leave a legacy that will continue to shine in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday, July 10, 2026, at He's Alive Church. Pastor Mark Carnes, Pastor Bill Coleman, Pastor Neil Crowell and Pastor Doug Hardin will officiate. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 pm to 1:30 pm Friday at He's Alive Church.

Josh was born March 10, 2000 in Concord. He was a son of Brent and Lisa Barnette. Josh was a devoted member of He’s Alive Church and attended whenever he was able. He faithfully supported the Landis Baptist Church Ladies Circle in collecting B Dollars for missions, a ministry that was close to his heart. He was also an enthusiastic fan of the A.L. Brown Wonders, the UNC Tar Heels, and the Kannapolis Cannonballers, proudly cheering on his hometown teams as a member of the K Crew. Josh had a lifelong love of trains and found great joy in visiting the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer and making trips to Tweetsie Railroad. Whether worshipping with his church family, supporting missions, cheering from the stands, or enjoying the sights and sounds of the railroad, Josh embraced life with genuine enthusiasm and found happiness in sharing those experiences with the people he loved.

Josh is survived by parents, Brent and Lisa Barnette; grandmothers, Diane Barnette and Carolyn James; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorials may be sent to Friends Foundation, PO Box 335, Linwood, NC 27299.