William "Billy" Barnes

Our hearts are broken that William Michael "Billy" Barnes, tragically left this earth on June 19, 2024, at 54 years old.
Billy Barnes was a humble man woven together with love, integrity, respect, passion, determination, and huge dose of humor. He was hilarious in the most subtle ways.
He had a love and passion for his family, music, nature, water, and most of all for people. (And an abnormal love for Peter Pan Honey Roasted Crunchy Peanut Butter we have 12 jars in the house!)
FAMILY
Billy and I (Jennifer Setzer Barnes) dated in high school, reconnected, married in 2017, and since then never left each other's side. Our love and friendship connected us at our core and we felt every moment in life was simply better together. Billy will always hold a deep love for his girls - Jordyn Mooney (Shane) and Janie Barnes, and his stepsons, Terry and Jacob Hancock. And he was overjoyed that this October, Baby Mooney, his first grandchild, his grandson, would be born. And he thought it was special that they both could possibly share his birthday "if he times it right!"
Billy loved his family. He was preceded in death by his dad, Michael "Bubba" Barnes and mother-in-law, Sue Lynn Setzer. Surviving is his mom Deborah Curtis, Stepmom Linda Barnes, his in-laws, Rick Setzer and David & Kristin Setzer, along with uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
His family extended beyond his blood. Billy was an only child, so he considered his friends his "brothers and sisters" and cherished the time with every one of you, and especially, our "TRIBE".
MUSIC
To really know and love Billy, you had to understand his deep connection with music. It was woven into every part of his day and life. From rock to blues, when you asked what kind of music he likes, he would simply say "Yes" because he had an appreciation for all kinds. He played guitar and for his 50th birthday started his journey with the drums – which he was really good! He loved to "boogie" down, jam out on classic rock, chill with the blues, and of course he would always rely on his staples of the Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic. We were always planning for the next "show" or concert because it was the music that encapsulated the entire experience. And in true Billy Barnes style, he didn't keep it to himself. He would constantly share his love of music with everyone. Even when we would walk up to the PIT (Pawleys Island Tavern) their speaker would beep because it automatically connected to Billy's phone! He not only listened to music, he also felt the lyrics deep in his soul. Songs had meaning to Billy, and he would remind us, "If you get confused just listen to the music play." (The Grateful Dead)
GOD'S CREATION
As with music, Billy had a deep appreciation for God's beauty, in nature and in people. He was happiest near the water. His ideal day would consist of family, friends, and either a golf club or fishing pole in hand. Or even just a cooler and a volleyball on the beach. No matter the conditions, his sanctuary was outside and by the water.
A hippie at heart, Billy was a nature boy. He knew the scientific name for each plant or tree (he was so smart!). He held a deep appreciation for and saw beauty in all things. Following that love of nature, he received his degree in horticulture and lived out his passion through his professional career in the golf course management and landscaping industry. He took care of golf courses across South Carolina, spending the last 10 years with his "crew," his "fellas," as a Senior Manager at Debordieu Colony in Pawleys Island, SC.
WHAT HAPPENED
Billy lived with a genetic blood condition called hemochromatosis which is what caused a tumor in his liver. He had successful surgery to remove it on June 10th (he apologized for it being on our anniversary). Days later, while still in the hospital, he began to have complications with his kidneys. His blood pressure dropped, and he had emergency surgery which revealed an internal infection from his colon, and he was in septic shock.
Being the strong man he was, he stayed with us in ICU until his children and family were able to be with him. Then a few hours later, as his music played in his ear, he shed his earthy body, and his soul was set free.
OUR LIVES
My husband, my anchor, my best friend, my forever love, Billy Barnes, is no longer on this earth and my soul is broken. The greatest gift I ever received was to be his wife.
If anyone ever needed someone to listen, someone to care, someone to laugh with, or someone to simply be there it was Billy Barnes. We all are hurting. But thankfully, because of Billy Barnes, this world, and our lives, will never be the same.
HONORING HIM
If you knew anything about Billy, you know a long "tribute" to him would be the last thing he would want. Billy Barnes was an extraordinary, yet humble man. He simply loved life because he loved people. He would not want all the fuss over him, he would simply want us to be together, take care of each other, and to always be kind. We can honor him by continuing his Ripple. Reach out, fill each other's cups, knowing our cups are filled by a "fountain, that was not made, by the hands of men." (Ripple – The Grateful Dead)
If you are able, please join us in person or spirit for a casual gathering - the way Billy would want – friends, family, music, and love.
Saturday, July 13th at 5p.m.
At Quigleys Next Door, 251 Willbrook Blvd, Pawleys Island, SC
THANK YOU
Thank you for your continued love and support. Many have asked about flowers or how to support our family, his children, and grandchild. If you would like to help continue his legacy, we have a special account set up at South State Bank. Zelle: jennifer@carolinabarnes.com Venmo: billyandjenbarnes Our home address is: 173 Old Waccamaw Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Baby, it is time to "Let your Soulshine" forever. I love you Baby - JB
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.