Donnie Barnes

Donnie Hugh Barnes, 79, of Lucama, passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2023.

A service to thank God in celebration of Donnie’s life will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023, 3:00 PM, at Little Rock Original Free Will Baptist Church in Lucama.  His family will receive friends at the church before the service from 1:30 - 2:45.  An interment at the Upper Black Creek Cemetery will be held immediately following the service.

Donnie liked to say that he was born on Little Rock Church Road South on May 6, 1944, and liked it so much he never moved more than three miles away. He graduated from Lucama High School and proudly served in the NC National Guard. Growing up on a farm with his three brothers and all of the neighborhood friends, their home was the place to be at mealtime and his mom fed whoever showed up.  Together they worked, roamed the fields, hunted, fished, played the outdoor games into the evening, tussled as brothers do and loved each other.  Then he and Kitty married. Two daughters were born and being a husband and dad changed his world, but he brought to them all of the love, fun and frolic of his childhood, coupled with importance of education, love of sports, happiness in family and career and, in God’s time, a faith example. Grandkids made him cherish the role of PaPa and nothing made him smile more quickly than to hear their voices.

His professional career began with Watson Electric which led him to thirty years of service in the electrical department and later as Director Public Works with the Town of Lucama. In that capacity, he assumed many roles and dedicated himself to improving the power system that served the local community and also worked in coordinating the development of the shared system with Black Creek and Stantonsburg. He was a strong force in restoring power and coordinating the mutual aid following hurricanes Fran and Floyd.  Some tasks were major undertakings, but his favorite memories were his opportunities to help senior adults who might simply need a bulb changed and a short visit.

Playing and coaching organized softball for more than 35 years afforded him the opportunity to travel and play from New York to Florida and throughout North Carolina.  In this hobby, many memories were made of balls and strikes, hits and runs, but more importantly, life-long friendships with teammates and opponents. When his playing days were over, he welcomed the chance to join Kitty and together they coached girls’ softball teams as Wilson County began to develop its youth athletic teams.

Having Parkinson’s Disease for more than twenty years was a journey, but Donnie found a role in his willingness to share his experiences as a member of the PD Support Group in Wilson and with others who would benefit from his story.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, B.B. Barnes, Jr. and Myrtle Ferrell Barnes.

He is survived by his wife, Kitty; daughters Donna Sharp (Thad) and Rebecca Wysocky (Mike); grandchildren, T. and McLane Sharp, Riley and Mick Wysocky; brothers, Kenneth, Dennis Earl, Danny Raye (Chris); sisters-in-law, Jane Reaves (Bill), Brenda Ballance and Pam Sasser; his aunt, Joyce Petway Ferrell, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Donna Virgil, Timmy Wilson, and Gwen Burgess, the staff at Wilson Pines, and the professional team at Gentiva for their support and care during his recent days there.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Little Rock OFWB Church, PO Box 340, Lucama, NC 27851.

The service will be available via livestream on www.littlerockchurch.net or on the church Facebook page at Little Rock OFWB Church.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, NC 27896; (252) 237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com