Born in Jackson County, Florida, Mr. Barnes united with Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Marianna, FL at the age of 13. He later united with Rehoboth Baptist Church in Valley, AL.

His survivors include: his friend and wife of 55 years, Emma Jean Barnes; one daughter, Zelda W. (Napoleon) Patterson; one granddaughter, Jolanda L. Barnes; three grandsons, Jemareo L. Barnes, Jacobie L. Barnes and Jeremy L. Barnes; three great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; four sisters, Ollie Bell, Cora Mack, Mary B. (Durance) Britt and Ethel B. (John) Ruth; two sisters-in-law, Mae Julia Booker and Charlene (Sanford) Isom; one brother-in-law, Bobby (Yvonne) Booker; special nieces, Felisa J. Barnes, Alisa M. Brown and Cheree McAlpine Tshimbalanga; special friends, Eddie Reese and Rodriquez Walker; and, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.