John Clinton Barnes (Pumpey) was born December 5, 1952 in Savannah Georgia to, Mrs. Nellie Barnes and the late Mr. Clinton Bunch Barnes. He came to Durham NC in 1969. He departed this life on his birthday, December 5, 2016. He leaves behind to cherish his memories one daughter, Bessie Nicole Barnes; one granddaughter, Londyn Faith Johnson; two sisters, Princie Lee McClain and Vicki Barnes; two brothers, Marcel Barnes and Kenneth Barnes and a host of other relatives and friends. John Barnes had an avid love for painting, but he was unable to fulfill his passion after being diagnosed with COPD. Though he battled this illness for 17 years, he did not let it keep him down. He looked forward to exercising at the Duke Center for Living, where he participated in various activities and encouraged and inspired others to be optimistic about their current health situation. Although his health prevented him from attending church as much he would have like to, he still loved the Lord and gave Him all the glory. He was a great son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and loved by many. Funeral service Sunday, December 11, 2016, at Palmer Memorial United Holy Church, 1112 Fairview St.