NATCHEZ – Services for Major I. Barnes, 53, of Vancleave, formerly of Adams County, who died Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Tulane Medical Center, in New Orleans, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at George F. West Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ernest Ford officiating.
Mr. Barnes was born May 26, 1954, in Adams County, the son of Sidney E. Barnes Sr. and Marie Butler Barnes. He was the youngest of eight children. He spent his adolescent days in Wilkinson County, where with the innocents of a child, he developed the perception and ambition of the man in which all grew to love.
He graduated from Wilkinson County High School in May 1972, where he was recognized and honored for his academic achievements. All that knew him would say he was a very talented and highly intelligent individual. Throughout his school days, he was not only an athlete, but a member of the marching band and a lead singer in his church choir. He had a voice that carried like the song of a bird. When he picked up a saxophone, he could blow notes as sweet as Kenny G.
In 1973, Major first crossed the path of his soul mate, Gwendolyn L. Barnes, and they were married on Sept. 21, 1974. In 1976, they gave birth to their first child, Marvin I. Barnes. Four years later, they welcomed their second child, Kenitra L. Barnes. On Nov. 24, 1981, they completed their family with the birth of their third and final child, Jeffery A. Barnes.
Major departed this life on March 19, 2008 as a loving father and devoted husband of 33 years. Behind him he leaves his legacy, which will be carried on, honored, and remembered forever. Heaven sent us an angel and the world is going to miss him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Elijah Barnes and Robert L. Butler.
Survivors include his loving wife, Gwendolyn L. Barnes; three children, Marvin I. Barnes, Kenitra L. Barnes and Jeffery A. Barnes; four brothers, Joseph Butler, L.T. Granger, Sidney E. Barnes Jr., and Lewis C. Barnes; and one sister, Mary Ruth Cage.