Willie B Barnes

Willie B Barnes was born on July 5, 1937 at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. to the late Spencer and Rosa Lee Barnes. The family moved from Atlanta to Munford, Alabama where he spent his early childhood and started his life’s journey. He received his early education from the Talladega County School System and attended Jennifer High School in Jennifer, Alabama. He later moved to Central Florida and joined the Army. SFC Willie Barnes entered the Army on August 15, 1961. He was honorably discharged after serving 17 years of active and Reserve duty. He gained employment with Superior GMC and Heintzelman Ford Companies. Later he became a local truck driver for Ryder Trucks. Mr. Barnes later moved to Memphis, Tennessee and opened his own record shop, where he worked for quite a while. Due to his great love of gospel music, he was a member of the singing group “Gospel Soul Revivals.” He soon became a truck driver statewide for over 25 years before retiring and moving back to Orlando, Florida. As an Amvets member, Mr. Barnes ran for office and won the title of Commander of Amvets Post 30 serving two terms. Mr. Barnes was the President of the Homeowners Association in Malibu Groves for several years. He also was the Historian for the Barnes/Dixon Connection Family and headed all of the Family Reunions until 2016. “Living a Good Life”, is a title that fit him because that is what he did. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with all of them. Most of his time was spent telling stories and participating in some interesting conversations at McDonald’s hanging out with his buddies. John 16:22 “Now is the time of your grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy ” On August 20, 2000, Mr. Barnes joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of his oldest son, Rev. Willie C Barnes, where he worshipped faithfully until his demise. On June 17, 2019, without a warning, without goodbyes, Mr. Barnes, a loving and caring father and grandfather, quietly left this earthly home to be with the Lord. Willie B was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer and Rosa Lee, son, Roake, siblings, Spencer, Marilyn, Carretha Davis, and George Lewis; and grandson, Antonio (Tony). He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Mary Ann, Arizona; Children, Pastor Willie C. Barnes (Anita), Thomas Whitley, Sr. (Judy), Bruce, Emma, Spencer (Pam), Rochelle Moore, Todd (Rhonda), Victor Carter (Nora), Valerie Davis (Benet), Pamela Barnes (all of Orlando), Josh Lay (Tamiko) Columbus, OH, Tehya Barnes, Orlando, Joslyn Hayes (Antonio) Memphis, TN, Phyllis Reddix (Mike), Theresa Brown (Greg), Chris Miller (Michelle) all from Arizona; Sister, Juanita Curry (Phoenix City, Alabama);Sister/Cousin, Dorothy Mae Floyd; Grandchildren, Roderick Barnes, Orlando, Vincent Thomas, Hampton, GA, Kimberly Barnes, Houston, TX, Tonya and Sonya Barnes, Latisha McFarland, all of Orlando, Anissa Mack (Howard), Dallas, TX, Octavia Barnes, Thomas Whitley Jr. (Cynthia), Stacie Whitley, Natalie Jones (Neal), Tavares Barnes (Elisha), Sharala Barnes, Taryn Barnes all of Orlando, Lily and Jaidah Deeter, Columbus, OH, Tyesha Barnes, Deek, Boy, Jamie, Brandon, all of Orlando, Tramaine, Lamar, Memphis, TN; Kei Carter, Patricia Murphy, Kandice, Von, Pierre, Dream and Cherry Carter, Greg Davis, PJ, Courtney Davis, Porsha Nelson (Quinton), Rawshelle Walker and Miracle Miller all of Orlando; and 40 Great - grandchildren, nine Great- Great Grandchildren: a special cousin, Dorothy Mae and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends. His legacy will be honored and continued by his loving family and friends.

Tributes

Willie B Barnes

July 5, 1937 - June 18, 2019