Paul Michael Barnett, Esq, 74, passed away at Roanoke Memorial Hospital on July 10, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aileen and Bill Barnett. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Gerberich, daughter Kate Bennett, (Christopher), grandson Christopher Jr., sister Sherry Atkinson (Bobby), brother Al Barnett (Snooki), many beloved nieces and nephews and many treasured friends.
Paul grew up in Salem, Virginia and graduated as valedictorian of his class at Andrew Lewis High School in 1969. He graduated with distinction (Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education) from the University of Virginia, where his Delta Sigma Phi brothers nicknamed him “Doc.” He worked as a psychologist at UVA Hospital until deciding to attend the College of William and Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law.
Paul practiced law in the Christiansburg area for over 35 years, specializing in family and real estate matters. Paul was appointed Special Justice, participating in commitment hearings at Carilion St Alban’s Hospital. He later served as substitute judge for General District Courts in the area. Paul was a member of the Christiansburg and Montgomery County Chambers of Commerce. Among other achievements as a valued member of his community, Paul was awarded the Mattie Lou Smusz award for exceptional volunteerism in the field of mental health, the Roswell E. Round award for outstanding advocacy for persons with mental illness, the Phillip M. Sadler Memorial Community Service Award by New River Community Action, and the North Star Award by Lawyers Helping Lawyers, in recognition of his leadership to address and overcome mental health issues within the profession.
To all who knew him, Paul was a humorous, kind, generous soul who loved the beach and bourbon.
Family will welcome guests to honor Paul at his home anytime between 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
The Barnett family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
