Willie J. Barnes

Willie James Barnes was called home to be with the Lord on August 31, 2019. He was born to the late Samuel Dixon and the late Laura Barnes Bell on May 12, 1928 in Lancaster, South Carolina. As a young boy he later relocated to Kannapolis, North Carolina. He was raised on his grandparent’s farm and educated in the North Carolina public school system. Following his high school graduation, Willie worked as a brick layer for Cannon Mills.

In 1952, Willie enlisted into the United States Army. During his time in service, Willie earned the rank of Corporal and served in the Korean War. He earned three wartime medals including the Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars; the National Defense Service Medal; and the United Nations Service Medal.

Willie returned to civilian life in 1954 and continued his work at Cannon Mills. He relocated to Washington, D.C. in 1965 working with his father and as a Special Police Officer for V&M Detective Service. In 1969, he began working as a maintenance engineer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he continued for 10 years. In addition, Willie joined the Reserve Officers Association of the United States in 1971 where he continued for over 43 years. In his later years, Willie enjoyed retirement. He loved watching gospel programs, wrestling and westerns. He loved working in his garden, and playing endlessly with his grandchildren blowing bubbles, playing catch, setting up many baby pools, bikes, and scooters, or chasing them around the house. He even let his granddaughter’s paint his very long nails (nails that he was known for). Willie was famous for knowing how to fix cars, tinkering around everyone’s house and maintaining his baby girl’s yard.

Although he did not like to talk about it, Willie experienced some significant points in American history. As a young child, he lived through the Great Depression of the 1930’s; as a teenager he lived through World War II; as a young adult he fought in the Korean War and lived through the Civil Rights Movement.

In addition to his parents, Willie is proceeded in death by his brother Samuel (June) Dixon, Jr. He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his adoring wife of forty-two years, Thelma Barnes; five children Debbie Williams (Derrick), Vivian Fowler, Arneil Barnes (Dana), Willie Barnes, Jr., Shalamar Barnes (Mathew), and son/nephew Michael Barnett (Lena); sixteen grandchildren Dominique Williams, D’Angelo Williams, Justin Fowler, Ryan Fowler, Christopher Fowler, Arneisha Barnes, Trevon Barnes, Angel Barnes, Tyonna Barnes, Kolonji Barnes, Maliyah Barnes, Sa’nyiah Barnes, Sa’qon Barnes, Seray Karim, Schaelin Barnett, and Marlana Barnett; eight great-grandchildren Uriah Fowler, Aiden Fowler, Enzo Fowler, Ace Fowler, Maxim Fowler, Iman Fowler, Isiah Barnes, and Egypt Barnes. Willie also leaves to cherish his memory, his big sister Freddie Lindsey, a loving sister-in law, Barbara Morina, three brother-in-laws James Barnett, Theopolis Hall, and Shelton Hall, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.