Roy Russell Barnes Jr.

Battleboro -

Roy Russell Barnes, Jr., 81, left the earth to join his Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 21, 2020.  Roy was preceded in death last month by his wife of 58 years, (Barbara Wallace Barnes), and they are now rejoined in Heaven.  Roy was a devoted Christian man who loved his Savior, family, church, friends, and Wolfpack.  He was known by his family and friends as a hardworking, dedicated, gentle, and kind soul who was exceptionally proud of his entire family and their accomplishments.  Roy dedicated the last years of his life caring for his wife who was battling cancer.  He ensured that he fulfilled his vow to God and Barbara to have and hold her, in sickness and in health, until death did they part.  During the time that Roy cared for Barbara in her sickness, he unfortunately allowed some health issues of his own to go unattended. 

Roy is survived by his sons, R. Russell Barnes, III & wife, Patti of Riviera Beach, FL and Donald R. Barnes & wife, Amanda of Tequesta, FL; four grandsons, Russ, Tommy, Brian & Eric; his Belarusian daughter, Ina Kyrk of Minsk, Belarus; and sister, Libby Bunn; along with nieces and nephew.  Roy was predeceased by his parents, Roy Russell Barnes, Sr and Elizabeth Edwards Barnes. 

Roy’s professional career was spent predominantly in insurance claims working for NC Farm Bureau as District Claims Supervisor prior to his retirement.  He was active in his church where he served as deacon & chairman of multiple committees.  He also served as a Councilman & volunteer fireman for his hometown of Battleboro for decades and was instrumental in establishing the taxing district that funded the local fire department where he served many years as President.  Roy was a HUGE fan of all NCSU sports and recently upgraded his cable subscription so he could watch all their games and root for anyone who was playing against UNC!

Roy will be missed by all who knew him.  He was comforted in his last days on earth by his two sons (Roy Russell Barnes, III and Donald Robert Barnes) who were with him day and night throughout his two-week battle in the hospital.  Roy fought to the end trying to regain his strength and health, but God had other plans for him. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Nash Hospice Palliative Care at 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 in honor of the wonderful care they provided to his wife, Barbara, or the Youth Department of First Baptist Church at 200 South Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, January 23 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church at 200 South Church Street, Rocky Mount with visitation starting at 1:00.  The service will be conducted by Reverend William (Bill) Grisham.  A private burial will be held prior to the memorial service.