Billy Barnes

1965 - 2021

BILLY BARNES
August 17, 1965 - March 30, 2021

William Faith Barnes, America's favorite pig whisperer, swine enthusiast, and mentor to many, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 in his home in Bakersfield, California surrounded by his loving family. Billy was 55 years old.

Born August 17, 1965 in Bakersfield to parents Gaythel Sue Barnes and William Fait Barnes, both previously deceased, Billy was committed to production agriculture and lifelong learning. He was a loving fiance, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Billy was humble, extremely kind, and generous to all that were fortunate to know him.

Billy's dislike for sheep led him to the swine barn at South High-School where he enrolled in the FFA program in 1979. Billy purchased and showed his first pig, a Duroc with the guidance from his forever mentors and Ag Teachers, Bill Kelly, and Jim Slater. His passion was lit and just like the saying goes.... "on the 8th day, God created a pig farmer"!

After graduating with the South High Class of 1983, he continued his education at Bakersfield College while working for Getty Oil. Billy then went on to Cal Poly, SLO and later graduated from Fresno State University where he majored in Animal Science. In 1989 he launched P&B Swine Farm with partner, Richard Phillips. Together they produced some of the finest show pigs in the country. In 1998 Billy was named the "Pork All-American" by the National Pork Producers Council which honored producers younger than 40 years old who established themselves as community leaders and successful and dedicated businesspeople. Billy quickly became one of the most respected swine producers nationwide and a national livestock judge.

Billy Barnes lived a life dedicated to others and education. He began his career as a Teacher of Agriculture and FFA Advisor at Arvin High School in 2001 and went on to become a Professor of Animal Science at Bakersfield College from 2007-2021 and served as the Department of Agriculture Chair during his tenure. He served on the National Landrace Board of Directors and on the Greenfield Union School District Board of Trustees. In 2008 he was appointed to the Kern County Board of Education where he continued his service until December 2020. Billy was also heavily involved with the Kern County Junior Livestock Committee as a Board Member and Past President. His passion for youth and the importance of showmanship was not only for the show ring but in life as a whole. In 2019 the Kern County Fair Swine Show Ring was named in his honor. Billy always held tremendous gratitude for those that taught and supported him in all his endeavors, including the late Joe and Julie Freitas who guided and mentored him for many years along with many other Freitas family members who loved and respected him.

He is survived by his fiance and soulmate of ten years, Julie Beechinor along with his three beautiful children: daughter Hillary (Matthew) Castellano, daughter Madison (Tony) Gomez and son, Axel Barnes. "Papa" will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren; Beau, Kaine and Sophia Castellano. He also leaves behind his loving sister Bonnie Scates-Teeters, brother James Scates, nephews Brian and Jeffery Teeters, and niece Rebeca Scates of Bakersfield.

The family would like to thank the amazing nurses and dedicated care received from Hoffman-Hospice including nurses Michelle, Jackie, Amber, heath aide Mona, and Chaplin Nancy. Also, a heartfelt thank-you to Deacon Fred Ansolabehere, Monsignor Craig Harrison and countless others who continued to support and pray.

St Francis Parish of Bakersfield will host memorial services on Friday, April 23rd at 1PM. A visitation/rosary will be held Thursday, April 22nd from 4-7pm at St Francis. In lieu of flowers, Billy asked that remembrances be sent to South Valley FFA and/or Kern Inyo FFA at: 501 South Mt Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307.

Fly high HAMHOGS!