Clifton Barnes

Clifton O. Barnes passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023 at his home in Rocky Mount, with his family at his side.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 9 at 1 pm at Maplewood Cemetery followed by visitation.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ramona Lamm Barnes; daughters, Cathy Pirko (Charles) of Lancaster PA. and Pam Umberger of Wilson; son, Bryan Barnes of Lucama; grandchildren, Jamison Pirko, Whitney Umberger, Casey Sink (Evan), Alexandra Pirko, Andrew Barnes (Faire), Sydney Barnes and Holden Pirko and great-grandchildren, Paxton Sink and Addison Sink.

“Shine” was born on January 9, 1928 in Lucama to Clenon and Daisy Holland Barnes. He was raised in a large farming family that was accustomed to hard work, which led to his love of farming and impeccable work ethic. Shortly after his graduation from Lucama High School, he joined the Army and then went to college and soon married his high school sweetheart, Ramona Lamm.  After an honorable discharge, he was first employed by Smith Douglas Fertilizer at several Virginia sites and then in Wilson.  He then worked at Southern of Rocky Mount.

He will be remembered for his winsome personality, quick wit, generosity, wise counsel, unmatched sense of humor and the most unforgettable blue eyes.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Barnes was preceded in death by his sisters, Vetris Barnes, Eunice Barnes and Dorothy Bass; brothers, Christopher Barnes, Paul Barnes and Amos Barnes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Assn, 1108 Windemere Dr NW, Wilson, NC 27896, www.heart.org/donate  or to Macular Degeneration Research, BrightFocus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Dr, Clarksburg, MD 20871, www.brightfocus.org

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson NC, 252-237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com