WILMINGTON — Howard Barnes, 89, passed away on Wednesday May 31, 2023 at Novant Medical Center in Wilmington NC. Howard known as PawPaw to all who knew him, was born in Charlotte NC on May 16, 1934 to Ida Jane Barnes and William Brady Barnes.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Teague Barnes, his son Kevin DeWayne Barnes, and siblings Johnny Columbus Barnes, Lindsey Henry Barnes, Sydney Johnson Barnes, Mary Madgeree Talbert, Willie Mae Russ, William Julian Barnes and James Artis Barnes.
Howard grew up in Paw Creek, NC and lived there most of his life. He served in the US Army from 1957-1959 and was a proud veteran, having served in the Korean War. He wore his Veteran hats everywhere he went and shared his stories with everyone he met.
In later years, Howard and Margaret moved to Bessemer City, NC to a new home to be near their son Kevin and his wife. They were active members of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church. After the death of their son they moved to Wilmington to be near their daughter and son and their families.
He is survived by his daughter Tanya Jones and husband Jimmy, whom he considered one of his own; son Jeff Barnes and Angie Dise of Watha NC; 5 grandchildren, Hollie Buck (Alan), Christin Crane, (Nick), Jessica Barlow (Kent), Thomas Jones (Chelsea), Jeffrey Barnes (Bibi), Maggie Barnes, Stetson Weir; great grandchildren, Audrey, Emma and Landon Buck, Evelyn, Ava and Ethan Crane, Bryce and Parker Jones, Brooks and Aubrey Barlow and Sebastian and Orlando Barnes. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life.
A graveside service with military honors will be held June 17, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Mt Beulah Baptist church in Bessemer City, NC. Following the service there will be a celebration of Howards life at the home of Denise and Darrell Surber in Bessemer City.
The family would like to give thanks to all the friends of the family for their help in caring for Howard and to the doctors and nurses in the ICU unit at Novant Medical Center for their care for him in his short time there.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Mt Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund – 5306 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Bessemer City, NC 28016.