John William (Johnny) Barnes, Jr. was born April 30, 1950 in Sheffield, AL as the first born son to John William Barnes, Sr and June Thompson Barnes. Johnny was an alumnus of Huntsville High School 1968 and earned a degree in Finance from The University of Alabama in Huntsville. While he most recently served as National Account Manager for Rapid Radiology, Inc., he always held a special place in his heart for his teammates at Daniel & Yeager where he served as a mentor and developed lifelong friendships with many.
Johnny had three big loves in his life: God, his family and The Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide). He was a 40 year member of Whitesburg Baptist Church where he served in multiple capacities but most notably as a Sunday School Teacher. His best friend and partner in life was his wife, Jenny, where together they created a blended family of three sons and two daughters, Will, Robby, Blair, Courtney and Meagon. His grandchildren called him “Papa Johnny.” They would take “secret passages” together and he would see them hit bombs on the softball field, score many goals on the soccer field, cheer on the football team and set new records in the swimming pool amongst other things. Papa Johnny loved his family dearly.
Preceded in death by his father, John Sr., his mother, June; and nephew, Shane Barnes. John is survived by wife, Jenny; brothers, David and Mike (Jane); sister, Patti Gipson (John); sons, Will (Julie), Robby (Stephanie), Blair (Julie); daughters, Courtney Holland (Jason) and Meagon Kirby (Brad); grandchildren, Keaton, John Kannon, Ella, Mary Lauren, Grant, Millie, Caedmon, Charlotte, Bea, Barrett and Wyatt; and great-grandchild, Paisley.
John’s walk with Christ allowed him to positively impact and mentor people as he received his reward of Eternal Life. His legacy will live on through his servant heart and the people that loved him.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Friday, Oct. 30th, at Whitesburg Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at noon with Pastor Darryl Craft and Dr. Jimmy Jackson officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
