Mr. Barnes was born September 10, 1944 in Lanett, AL to the late Beulah Barnes and Earnest Tucker.  He was a graduate of Rehobeth High School.  He attended Mt. Hermon Baptist Church in Lanett, AL.  After relocating to Atlanta, GA, he learned the trade of carpentry from his late uncle, Fred Barnes.  

His survivors include:  three children, John Ernest Barnes, Jr. (Dionka) and Derobthia "Dee" Redding (Charlie) both of Atlanta, GA and John Wright of New York; one sister, Jacqueline Anderson (Sandy), Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a devoted aunt, Mary Lee (George) Williams, Lanett, AL; one uncle, Rev. Monroe Johnson, Louisville, KY; three step-children; a dear friend and former wife, Thelma Ingram; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends, including a very special close friend, Henry Mitchell.  There will be no public viewing.