Robert Lamar "Bobby" Barnes
Robert Lamar "Bobby" Barnes
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Robert Barnes Obituary
ROBERT LAMAR "BOBBY" BARNES "A manner so quiet, a brain so fine; a better man is hard to find."
Born in Atlanta, GA, Bobby moved to Gainesville from Jacksonville in 1958. He retired from the School Board of Alachua County, having previously been with Northwestern Mutual, a Life Member of the Million Dollar Roundtable.
Bobby graduated from Landon High School in Jacksonville, FL in 1952 where he was "Most Athletic" and was captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1960 where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He was a member of Gator Boosters, past member of Gator Dug Out Club & Gator Quarterback Club. Bobby was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville and was a Deacon. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. Bobby pitched fast pitch softball and played baseball for 36 years. He officiated basketball for 30 years. He also enjoyed fishing, golf and other sports. He was an avid Gator fan.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Jean Rush Barnes of Gainesville, his son, Robert L. Barnes, Jr. (Leland) of Tampa, his daughter, Laurie B. Grabiak (Paul) of Palmetto and five grandchildren, Jason (Meagan) and Kelsey Grabiak; Walker, Fletcher and Baldwin Barnes.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 26, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, 14105 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Gainesville, 14105 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606 or to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.
Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL. 352-376-5361.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sharon White
September 26, 2011
Dear Jean, I was sorry to ready about your Husband, I remember you both fondly. He will always be in your heart. Sharon White/School Board of Alachua County Benefits Office
Elaine and Bob Besalski
September 26, 2011
To my dear friend Jean,
What a wonderful, sweet man, husband, father, and grandfather Bobby was! I know how you will miss him, and so will we. You are in our prayers.
Bill Avery
September 25, 2011
Bill Avery used to play ball with Bobby way back. We also attended First Baptist quite a few years. Our best to you, Jean. He was a great guy!
Bill and Linda Avery
September 24, 2011
My favorite memory of the incredible life I and my siblings vicariously lived thru was ya'lls bridge nights back in the day. Barnes, Finleys, Sherods and Pritchetts. Still would love to learn how to play bridge. Bob would always have the ultimately worst jokes, HA! He never had a harsh word for anyone, always loving, caring and reaching out for a hug. Thru all of you, I gained great friends to grow up with thru Bobby and Laurie. Jean, you have been the best friend my mother could ever have. I and all of my family members thank you for the love you and Bob have shared with us. Bob will always be in my heart! Oh! did I forget how awesome it was when Dad and Bob refereed basketball? I think their halftime entertainment was sometimes more exciting than the game.
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September 24, 2011
dear jean barnes sorry for the loss of your husband i know the road ahead will be long ps i can do all things through christ who strengthens me philippians 4.13 from michael thomas smith eastside 12th grader
Dana Powers
September 24, 2011
Mr. Barnes was one of my dad's best friends and was so kind to our family when my father (Hebron) died in Jan. 2010. I knew him first when I was the stat keeper for the Eastside High girls basketball team in 1978 and he was a referee. He was a very nice and kind man. God Bless and Mrs. Barnes, I know how much you will miss him.
Loretta Ross-Walker
September 24, 2011
To The Barnes Family:
Remembering you Jean and your Love Ones Today with a Special Prayer of Peace. Hold on to All of your Special Memories of Mr. Bob and Everything will be Alright.
Sheron Wade
September 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Warren Butler
September 23, 2011
I have fond recollections of Bobby when we were young men--my deepest sympathy to Toni and the family.
We've lost a great Landon Lion & Gator!!!
Warren Butler, St. Augustine
Louise Munro
September 23, 2011
Jean, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob was such a great guy, and he always had thoughtful insight to add to any conversation, meeting, or class. We will miss his smile and quiet strength.
Zitha Branch
September 23, 2011
Bobby was such a great guy! Jean, I'm sure you and the children remember a 27 inning softball game that he pitched...and won! (Of course, I'm going back several years.) Special prayers go out to you.
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311 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601-1803
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