Eugene Barnes

Jul 1, 2009

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Eugene M. Barnes Jr., 87, of Athens, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at his home with family and friends by his side.

He was an active and faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Riceville, where he had served as a teacher, leader and helper for many years. He worked for Conoco-Phillips for 30 years, traveling all over the United States. He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army as a corporal. His tour of duty took him through Germany and France in World War II.

He was preceded in death by his second wife of 13 years, Betty, on June 18, 2009; his first wife of 53 years, Blanche, in 1994; one daughter, Bobbie Key, in 1998; one granddaughter, Dianna; one brother, Lee; one sister, Elizabeth Thornton; and his parents, Mike and Cora Barnes. He loved his God, his family, his friends and his country.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Pat and Pam Barnes and Mike and Janice Barnes; one daughter and two sons-in-law, Brenda and David Glass and Charles Key; two sisters, Elsie Cate and Lorene Crouch; six grandchildren; seven precious great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, who helped during this time of his sickness.

A Celebration of Life and homegoing of Gene Barnes will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Oak Grove Church in Athens with pastor Derek McCosh and Chaplain Gary Bender officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, concluding with a white dove release ceremony.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Passmore, Jason \"Chipper\" Barnes, Keith Glass, Brandon Barnes, Jeff Ballew, D.L. Brown, Jacky Davis, Lowell Goforth and Charles Boyd.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbs.com

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.