Walter Barnes affectionally nicknamed “Jabo” was born January 27, 1939, in Pensacola, Fl. to the late James Arthur Barnes Sr. and Elizabeth Clack Barnes. The family moved to Tallahassee and joined Testerina Primitive Baptist church when he was a child, and where he accepted Christ. He was a devoted member until his health declined. He loved attending Sunday school and talking about “The Good Master”.

He became a student at FAMU Development Research School on September 9th,1946 as he entered 1st grade. He graduated from FAMU DRS (then referred to as “FAMU High school) in 1958. He graduated 41st in his class and participated in various extracurricular activities throughout high school, including basketball, photography, and contributing to the school newspaper.

Walter attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), and he earned a BS degree in Political Science. He was a die heart rattler fan, attending the Florida classic football games for over 40 years. He served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966, earning a National Defense Medal. After being honorably discharged from the Military, he began his career with Georgia Life Insurance company, he worked as a Salesman for the company for over 30 years. He later worked in Leon County public school as a Substitute teacher for several years.

Walter transitioned on April 28, 2025. He was proceeded in death by his parents James Barnes Sr. and Elizabeth Clack Barnes. Brothers: James A. Barnes Jr. and Carey E. Barnes. Sisters: Vernell Barnes and Mary Barnes Ball. His longtime companion and loving partner Katherine Thompson.

Brother-in-law; Robert P. Ball, and Sister-in-law Onnie Barnes.

Nephew: Reginald Barnes. Nieces: Regina Barnes and Mary Barnes Davis.

He leaves to treasure his precious memories:

Nieces: Bettye Belinfantie, Tallahassee, Fl. Brenda Roberson, Bershauna Moore, Tampa, Fl. Jyra Barnes (Daniel), Orlando, Fl. Jaquel Barnes, Orlando, Fl. Jamiyah Smith, Tampa, Fl. PV2 Aniya Baker, Seoul Korea, Morgan Barnes, Orlando, Fl., Mackenzie Barnes, Orlando, Fl. Sasha Ashley, Orlando, Fl. Reagan Ashley Tampa, Fl.

Nephews: William Barnes (Amy), Tallahassee, Fl. Carey Barnes Jr., Louis Barnes (Jacquelyn), Orlando, Fl. Anthony Baker Jr., Brandon, Fl. John H. Roberson III, ESQ. (Peregrina), Anchorage Ak., Joey Barnes (Ebonie), Orlando, Fl., Randolph Ashley, Tampa, Fl., Johann Best II, Tampa, Fl., Josiah Davis, Tampa, Fl. Anthony Baker II, Brandon, Fl. Anquan Baker, Brandon, Fl. , John Roberson IV, Anchorage, AK., Malcolm Roberson, Anchorage, Ak. and Johann Best III Tampa, Fl..

Extended family, Clack family, Colson family, Glen family, Barnes Family, Austin family, and Procter family.

Bonus Family: sons and daughters: Jacqueline "Gwen" Washington, Philadelphia, Pa., Angelina Mixson, Tallahassee, Fl., Earl Thompson Jr.(Rheutelia), Tallahassee, Fl., Lamar Thompson, Tallahassee, FL., Bernadette Gay, Tallahassee, Fl., Alvin Thompson ( Juanita), Tallahasse, Fl.

Caregivers: John Spears, Marquice Spears and Alvin Thompson. Grandkids and caregivers: Kevin and Kimberly Gurley, LaTish and LaTell Gay. Other sorrowing family and friends.

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Walter Barnes.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Testerina P.B. Church. Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, May 12, 2025 at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.