“…. and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6b
Deacon Thomas Howard Barnes, 85, a lifelong resident of Perry (Taylor County), Fla., was born on Aug. 29, 1937, to Thomas Henry Barnes, Sr. and Hazel Wilson. Both parents and his son: Timothy Barnes, preceded him in death.
Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in the sanctuary of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 221 SW Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Madison. Public viewing and visitation will be held 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 in the chapel of J.P. Moore Mortuary, 379 W. Base Street, Madison, (850) 973-6677.
Having accepted Christ as his Savior earlier in his life, Deacon Barnes joined New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist Church. Over the years, he grew in faith and in his service to the church. Because of his love for God and his faithfulness, he was chosen to become an ordained deacon, a position he accepted with humbleness and honor.
Deacon Barnes received his education from Jerkins High School, a testament for academic achievement in the African American community. Afterward, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably. He later completed his military service in the Army Reserves.
Deacon Barnes was a “people person”. He enjoyed meeting and getting to know others. He was one who never met strangers, for he considered them to be friends he had never met before. He also loved spending time with family and enjoying the fun and the fellowship they had and the memories they created. He shared a special bond with his children and grandchildren.
He centered his favorite pastime activities with things he enjoyed doing with family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, traveling (“seeing America first”) and being the University of Florida’s number 1 Gator football fan from Taylor County. He also loved animals, especially his faithful dog he called “Partner”.
After many years of dedicated service, Deacon Barnes retired from Buckeye Cellulose Corporation (Proctor & Gamble/Georgia Pacific) as well as from A.R.C. of the Big Bend.
Deacon Thomas Howard Barnes found joy, peace, grace and favor that only God could provide. The Lord chose to reward him for his faithfulness and to bring His precious angel home to rest on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of nearly 15 years, Sandra Beasley Barnes; sons: Thomas H. Barnes, Jr. and Vincent Barnes, both of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Deon Barnes of Jacksonville, Fla.; stepsons, Joshua (Felicia) Gamble and Marco Gamble, all of Madison; daughters: Peggy Thomas of Tallahassee, Fla., Jasmine Barnes of Perry, Fla., Marilyn Garner of St. Petersburg, Fla., Felicia (Steve) Williams and Sharon Gamble, all of Madison; brothers, Willie (Irene) Barnes and A.Z. McHorne, all of Perry, Fla.; sister, Robin Miller of Perry, Fla.; mother-in-law, Flossie (Cleveland) Blackshear of Madison; sisters-in-law: Beverly Beasley, Latanja (Ramon) Danzy, all of Madison and Lucy Miller of Perry, Fla.; brothers-in-law: Johnny Ray Beasley, Freddie Beasley, both of Madison and Gilbert Beasley of Jacksonville, Fla.; along with many other loving relatives and sorrowing friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Barnes Family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. MOORE MORTUARY & CREMATION SERVICES, Madison, Fla., (850) 973-6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.