Willie Richard Barnes
August 8, 1937 – October 20, 2016
was born on August 8, 1937 in Sparta, Georgia to proud parents, Willie Barnes and Grace Holsay. He was the eldest of eleven siblings. Willie graduated from L. S. Ingram High School in Sparta, Georgia. For a short period of time after high school, Willie lived in Atlanta, Georgia until he decided to enlist in the United States Navy. There, he served as a Dental Technician, excelling to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. While in the Navy, Willie Met and married the love of his life, Rosa Louise Donaldson. Their union was blessed with two loving children, Katrina Lynn and Douglas Ray Barnes. Katrina passed away during the early 1960s. Willie and the family eventually made San Diego, California their permanent residence. During the late 1970s, Willie retired from the United States Navy after twenty plus-years of exemplary service. Afterwards, he enrolled at Southwest College, where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Business and continued his thirst for knowledge at National University of San Diego where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. Willie went on to work in Civil Service for the Department of Defense. He retired once again after more than twenty years of untiring service. Afterwards, he began a life of enjoyment, traveling around the world with his darling Louise and beautiful friends. He visited almost every parts of the world that was on his oversized bucket list of places to see and things to do except for Hawaii and Alaska. Willie especially enjoyed visiting his mother and his favorite uncle, Jessie. He enjoyed and loved his family very much. On August 29, 2016, after fifty-three years of marriage, his beloved Louise was called home to glory to be with the Lord. Willie, who was a God fearing man, attended Brighter Day Ministries Church under the spiritual guidance of Reverend Charles L. Finley. Willie was an avid sport fanatic and a very good plant grower; however, his greatest pride and joy was his adored grand-daughter, Ariana whom he helped raise from birth and his great-grandson, Malachi Richard, who was named after him. Willie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. On Thursday, October 20, 2016, God called Willie Richard Barnes home to be with Him. Awaiting his arrival in heaven was his wife, Rosa Louise; his mother, Grace Holsay; his father, Willie Barnes; daughter, Katrina Lynn Donaldson; three brothers, Julian Lott, Joseph Lott and Melvin Lott; and his beloved cat, Miss Kitty. He leaves fond memories with his son, Douglas R. Barnes (Vicki) of San Diego, CA; granddaughter, Ariana Bonaparte (Ronnie) of Menifee, CA; sisters, Kay Chantler, Rhonda and Elizabeth Lott; brothers, Grady Lott, James Lott and Samuel Lott; one great-grandson, Malachi Richard Bonaparte and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Graveside service was held Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Miramar National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.
