Mr. Willie James Barnes, 80, departed this life on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in the St. Maryland Baptist Church, 5874 GA Hwy 37, Leary, Georgia.

Interment will follow in church cemetery.

Rev. David Johnson, Officiating

A TIME TO BE BORN: Willie James Barnes, “Brother,” was born on November 1, 1944, to the late Jessie Barnes, Sr., and Sallie Mae Oliver Barnes.

EDUCATION: Willie James (Brother) was educated in the Calhoun County school system. Brother graduated from H. T. Singleton High School in 1963.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Willie James, “Brother,” worked at Wildmead Plantation for 27 years. He later worked at Deer Run Plantation for seven years. He served on the Leary city council from 1976 - 1987. As a youth in the church he served on the usher board, before serving as a Deacon, and in the late 60s was an adult Sunday school teacher until 2008, and also, the youth director for numerous years. Later serving as the Chairman of the Deacon board.

A TIME TO DIE: WIllie James, “Brother,” departed this life Friday, January 10, 2025, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital of Albany, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Sallie Mae Barnes; and three sisters, Annie Lee, Betty Davis, and Geneva Marshall.

A TIME TO REMEMBER: Brother leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted and loving wife of 51 years, Doris Williams Barnes; devoted son, Marvin Barnes of Tallahassee, Florida; four brothers, James (Mattie), David (Shirley) of Leary, GA, Jessie (Kathy) of Albany, GA, and Nathaniel (Jeanestal) Barnes of Valdosta, GA; two aunts, Mary Oliver and Sallie Perry of Leary, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends; and two special nieces, Annie Carter and Kelsey Anderson.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements