Celebrating the life of . . . . . . Tony "T-Bone" Barnes
Family Gathering: 821 Bowerwood Drive, Thomasville, NC 27360
Public Viewing: Sunday, May 15, 2022 1-6 pm
S.E. Thomas Funeral & Cremation Services 110 Highland Avenue, Thomasville, NC
Family Visitation: Monday, May 16, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Central U.M.E. Church 115 James Avenue, Thomasville, NC 27360
Funeral Service: Monday, May 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Central U.M.E. Church 115 James Avenue, Thomasville, NC 27360
Obituary
Tony Albert Barnes was born September 27, 1958 in Whitmire, South Carolina to the late James Russell Barnes, Sr. and the late Donnie Ethel “Donna” Barnes. Tony was a God-fearing man that was friendly to everyone – he never met a stranger. That’s why so many hearts were broken on Monday, May 9, 2022 when they learned he was suddenly called home to be with the Lord.
Although born in Whitmire, SC, Tony grew up in Thomasville, North Carolina with his parents and his siblings. He graduated from Thomasville High School in 1976. During his high school years, Tony ran track and played football. His senior year, Tony received the coveted lettermans jacket, Varsity “T”, for which he was very proud. Following graduation, Tony went on to hold several jobs in Thomasville. He worked at Masonite Furniture for over 20 years and made numerous connections while working there, as well as at Thomasville Recycling, Carolina Container, and Ennis Flint.
Tony loved attending church. He was a dedicated member of Central United Methodist Church. He sang in the choir and served with the Methodist Men and on the Trustee Board. In 2003, Tony was second runner-up in the Mr. Central UM Contest. He never hesitated to acknowledge his blessings and that’s why one of his favorite songs was “Another Blessing” by Melvin & Lee Williams.
When he was not in church, Tony liked hanging around friends and family, going out to eat (with anybody who asked) at T-Ville Diner, The Thomasville Womens Club, and Granny’s Donuts. Tony was an humble man with an endearing spirit and genuine persona. He was friendly to everyone and was lovingly known as “T-Bone” or “The Bone” around town. No one knows how Tony obtained that nickname, but it can be surmised that it was due to the unending support he extended to so many in need. T-Bone loved working on cars and watching television, especially Karate movies with Jean Claude Van Damme. In his younger days, it was not unusual to see him practicing Karate in his parents’ front yard. The Bone was creative and had artistic ability. He was known for his art work and will be remembered for his jokes, being funny, and the blue Jeep he drove for over 30 years. Truly, one of God’s servants, Tony was an excellent son, brother and father.
In 1985, Tony married Roberta Canty. During their marriage, Tony and Roberta had one daughter, Brittany Latrice Barnes, who was born in 1986. In addition to his daughter, Tony is survived by his sister, Angela Gail “Ann” Reed Clark (Ronald) of Whitmire, SC; three brothers James Russell “Rusty” Barnes, Jr. (Nichol) of Thomasville, NC; Kenneth William “Ken” Barnes (Orr) of Fort Mill, SC; and Wesley Jerome “Wes” Barnes (Adrienne) of Raleigh, NC; six nephews Ronald Clark, Jr. (Tonia), Logan Russell Barnes, Skyler Lee Barnes, Brandon Bogans, Brandon Moss and Elijah Moss; four nieces, Jasmine Olivia Barnes Brown (Tamario), Kristen Danielle Barnes, Brooke Alexandria Barnes and Erin Victoria Barnes; one great-nephew, Daniel James Clark, and two great-nieces, Katlyn Bryanna Clark and Autum Réa Brown; two uncles Larry Barnes and Ronald Reed (Mahala); three aunts Etrulia “Black” Reed, Jerdine “Jerry” Reed Gladney (Charles) and Dora Reed Patterson; and a host cousins and friends. One niece, Amy Danielle Clark, preceded him in death.
