Lonnie Barnes

Lonnie Barnes, age 88 of 5019 Valley View Dr., Sanford, NC passed on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, NC. 

Lonnie Barnes was born October 16, 1930 in Hebron, Mississippi.  He was the 3rd oldest born of 11 children to the union of the late Elijah and Anner Mae Barnes.  He was educated in the Jones County School System, graduating from Old Hopewell High School.

Lonnie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 8, 1951 and honorably served 22 years.  Lonnie met, and later married Hancy Mae Herring on October 28, 1955, while stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C.  Shortly after they were married, duty called and they moved to Hawaii to begin their journey as a military family.  Through this union, they were blessed with four beautiful generations. Lonnie served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, respectfully. He received the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for his heroic conduct while fighting the enemy.  He retired honorably from the Marine Corps in 1972. He began the next chapter of his life in Cleveland, OH where he worked as a mechanic at the Shell Gas Station.

In 1979, Lonnie and his family moved to Sanford, N.C.  He was employed at Lee County Senior High School for several years. His last job was as a Security Guard for Gold Kist Inc. He decided it was time to retire and spend time with his family.  Lonnie always made sure he took good care of his family. Lonnie loved life. Whether he was working on cars, babysitting his grandchildren, having an ear to listen, or imparting many words of wisdom, he loved unconditionally. Hancy ensured that she helped keep Lonnie close to God and by doing so; he developed a personal relationship with our Savior. Even throughout his illness, Lonnie stood strong within his faith and did not dwell on things he beyond his control.

Lonnie departed this life and entered into his eternal rest on December 11, 2018 at Moses Cone Hospital.  

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Leilani Barnes Collins and Linda Fox; eight brothers and one sister.

Lonnie is survived by Hancy, his devoted and loving wife of 63 years.  He leaves behind to cherish his memories and carry on his legacy, four children: Bobby Barnes (Shelia) of Cleveland, O.H., Barry Barnes (Cynthia) of Sanford, N.C., Terry L. Barnes of Fayetteville, N.C., Nancy M. Barnes of Grovetown, G.A.; one sister, Annie Ree Pickering (Dennis) of Atlanta, G.A., sixteen grand-children, thirty-seven great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

In the days to come as memories float to mind of Lonnie, remember to honor his legacy as a husband, father, brother, grandpa, and a Marine.

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford