Earl C. Barnes
SMITHFIELD—Rev. Dr. Earl C. Barnes died Dec. 13, 2008.
Born to the late Ulysses Whitehead and the late Geneva Barnes, he received his early education in the Southampton County Schools.
While attending Hayden High School he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.
Early in life he became a member of the Piney Grove Baptist Church, Franklin.
He accepted the call of God on his life for ministry and went on to develop his gifts by attending United Christian College in Goldsboro, N.C., where he received a Bachelor of Theology Degree and an honorary Doctor of Divinity.
He also received a Master of Religious Education Degree from Gulf Coast Seminary in Panama City, Fla.
He was employed with Northrup-Grumman Shipyard in Newport News for 28 years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Maryette Barnes; his children, Troy Barnes of Smithfield and Kresten Barnes of Newport News; his brothers, the Rev. James Barnes (his twin) and Bobby Barnes (Tess); his sisters, Ernestine Austin and Sally Barnes all of Franklin; his grandchildren, D’Andre, Destiny and Da’Marey Barnes; his stepmother, Mrs. Mary Whitehead of New York City; three stepbrothers; two stepsisters; his father and mother-in-law, S. Gaston and Pauline Majette and many other friends and extended family members.
A service of celebration was held Thursday at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 1071 Carrsville Highway, Franklin, by Elder Larry Parsons.
Interment was in Southview Memorial Cemetery, Franklin.
Shivers Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.