Thomas "Chris" Christopher Barnes

THOMAS CHRISTOPHER BARNES

Thomas Christopher Barnes, known to all as Chris, age 56, passed away on December 21,2025. Born on February 14, 1969, in Marietta, Georgia, Chris lived a life defined by faith, loyalty, and an unwavering devotion to family.

After graduating from McEachern High School in 1988, Chris was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1990-1994 aboard the USS Jesse L. Brown and the USS Deyo.

During his service, he earned multiple honors and awards, including Letters of Commendation from the US Navy for actions above and beyond the call of duty during both Class C and Class B fires. He also received Good Conduct and Unit Excellence awards, distinctions that reflected his courage, discipline, and reliability under pressure.

Following his military service, Chris continued a life of service as a firefighter and EMT. He worked with Paulding County Fire from 2005 until he became disabled in 2022, and had previously served as a volunteer firefighter in Charleston, South Carolina.

Though he served his country at sea, Chris found peace in the mountains whenever he had the opportunity to go. He deeply loved his church, regarded Sunday as his favorite day of the week, and felt a calling to preach. He had a great passion for restoring classic cars-especially his beloved 1971 Ford Bronco-and dearly loved his pets, who were his constant companions.

Above all else, family mattered most to Chris. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a present and proud grandfather, and what all the nieces and nephews considered “the best uncle”. Chris showed his love through consistency, through showing up, and through quiet acts of service.

Chris is survived by his wife, Julie Barnes; his children, Austin Lane and Jordan Whitlock; and his grandchildren, Christian, Dallas, Asher, and Addy. He is also survived by his father, Howard Barnes; his siblings David Barnes, James Canning, and Cherie Lawley, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and stepsisters who will carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Turner, stepfather, Michael Turner, and brother, John Canning.

Chris will be remembered as being faithful, self-sacrificing, and as a man whose life was defined by service and love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the lives he touched and protected through his strength, courage, and devotion.

The family will host a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. Services will be held at West Georgia Baptist Church, 1554 Liberty Church Rd. Bremen, Ga, 30110. At the conclusion of services, Paulding Fire Honor Guard will guide honors for Chris’s service with the fire department.