Russell Lee Barnes

Russell L. Barnes MULLINS - Russell Lee Barnes, 86, of Mullins passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Russell was born in Fair Bluff, N.C., the son of the late E.M. Barnes and Nettie Jenkins Barnes. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Jo Rogers Barnes. Jo and Russell were childhood sweethearts, who grew up next door to each other. Mr. Barnes retired from Mullins Leaf Tobacco Company after a career of 36 years. He was a World War II Navy veteran. He attended NC State after his Navy service. Mr. Barnes was known for his abundant garden, especially his tomatoes, which he freely shared with his neighbors and friends. He enjoyed his grandchildren and took pride in never losing a match of "competitive grandchildren" with his peers. Mr. Barnes loved fresh water fishing with his wife throughout their marriage, even though Jo was the better fisherman. The Barnes family would like to thank the many people of Mullins who have gone out of their way to help our father be able to live alone after he lost most of his eyesight due to muscular reticular degeneration. The support of his fellow church members and especially his Sunday School Class, Who So Ever Will, at Mullins First Baptist Church meant a lot to Russell. Mr. Barnes is survived by: a Daughter: Joanne Barnes (Wayne) Garner of Memphis; a Son: Russ (Sheila) Barnes of Florence: and 4 Grandchildren: Clea Garner of New York City, Matthew Garner of Portland, Oregon, Edward (Stephanie) Barnes MD of Boston, Ma. and Logan Barnes of Charleston. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 17, at Mullins First Baptist Church, with Rev. Glenn Ailshie and Rev. Mack Marsh officiating. Burial will follow in Devotion Garden Cemetery, directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Cox-Collins Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Mullins First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 443, Mullins, S.C. 29574 or to the charity of one's choice.