After a long battle with chronic heart and lung disease, John C. Barnes passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the age of 87.  He took his last breaths in the comfort of his home and surrounded by Joan, his wife of 66 years, and his beloved family.

John was born in Petersburg, VA in 1932.  At the age of 18, he joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country as a flight engineer in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  After 20 years of faithful service, Master Sergeant Barnes retired and began a second career in custom-home construction in Vacaville, CA. Later, he and his wife transplanted to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where they spent many years enjoying the beach with their family.  John and Joan ultimately settled at Willow Creek Retirement Home in Chesapeake, VA.  At Willow Creek, John developed fantastic friendships, welcomed new residents with open arms, and lived his last few years to the fullest with his wife by his side.

John Barnes – also known as Barney, Carlton, Ging-Ding, and Granddad – was preceded in life by his parents, brother (Arthur), and granddaughter (Carlee).  He is survived by his sister (Catherine), loving wife (Joan), two beloved sons (Walter and Stephen) and their wives (Sherry and Marjorie), five grandchildren (Chris, Katie, Jesika, Leslie, and Karlie), eight great-grandchildren (Parker, Kyle, Bryan, Kayla, Brody, Gavin, Alyssa, and Mylen), and countless friends and neighbors.

John was a devoted husband and loyal friend.  He exuded pride in his beloved family and loved them dearly. He was always the life of the party, and his story-telling, kind nature, and fun-loving attitude welcomed everyone that he met.  He was larger than life and will be greatly missed.

Memorial services for John Barnes will be held at a later time.