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Obituary For Barbara E. Barnes "Bobby"
Mr. Barbara Eugene Barnes (Bobby)
Born November 24, 1937, to the late Gilbert Barnes and Elizabeth Flythe Barnes in Northhampton County, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by mother, father, two brothers (Gilbert Jr and Carson) and son Michael Barnes. Bobby was the second oldest child of four boys. Although he was called Bobby, he was proud of his given name Barbara because his mother wanted a baby girl.
Bobby attended Willis Hare High School and graduated in 1955. Upon graduation Bobby enlisted into the U.S. Armed Forces. He completed Basic Military Training at Fort Jackson, SC and Advanced Training at Fort Lewis, Washington. Bobby was later assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division where he successfully completed Airbone Training.
Bobby served in the U.S. Army for 20 + years before retiring. He served in several overseas Commands to include two tours during the Vietnam War. Bobby was rewarded many medals and badges that included the Master Parachute Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), and five Good Conduct Medals.
After completing his military service, Bobby furthered his education at Wake Technical Community College and Hardbarger Business College. He was an honor student at both. Also, after retiring from the U.S. Army, Bobby worked as Security Chief for the North Carolina ABC Commission for many years under several different companies, He was a valued employee and received several commendations.
Bobby met Lillar Stewart before his second tour to Vietnam. And eventually married the love of his life Lillar in 1968. They became avid travelers, traveling to different countries and most of the United States, and they enjoyed meeting new people.
Bobby and Lil enjoyed spending time together whether it was volunteering, traveling, relaxing, or just enjoying each other. Bobby was truly devoted to Lillar and their life together.
Bobby was baptized in the Holy Waters of Creeksville and received the Right Hand of Fellowship at First Baptist Church, Conway, NC. Years later he joined First Congregational Church of Raleigh, NC and remained there as a faithful servant until his passing.
He belonged to several organizations where he was able to interact with students. Namely as a drill marching teacher with Masonic Lodge where he mentored and taught precision marching skills. Years later many students stopped by to thank him for investing in them.
Because of his love for children, he often found groups he could mentor and graciously surprised them with monetary gifts. They loved him and called him Uncle Bobby, and called Lillar, Aunt Lillar. People would ask, where did they get all those children? Like Jesus he always embraced the children.
Bobby belonged to several organizations such as: Top Teens of Americal (Lord), Delicado Teens (Del-Gent), Ambassador with the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Disabled American Veterans, Excelsior Masonic Lodge 21 as a dutiful treasurer.
Bobby was extremely organized and dependable. He used those skills to engage the community as a Notary Public. He was an avid all-around sports enthusiast. But more than sports he loved watching westerns.
Bobby leaves to cherish in his precious memory his loving wife, Lillar Stewart Barnes, his brother Randolph Barnes (Barbara) of Winterhaven, Florida, nieces Martina Wharton, Snow Hill Maryland, Dr. Patricia Sams (Lawrence) Seattle Washington. Bobby also leaves cherished memories with Goddaughter, Danielle Jenkins and special friend, Geroge Majette, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends. He will truly be missed by his devoted βSonβ Tony Edmundson (JoAnn).
Public Viewing: 1:00 - 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.
Visitation: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm on Monday, September 21, 2026, at First Congregational Church in Raleigh, NC 27610.
Funeral will be held 12:00 pm on Monday, September 21, 2026, at First Congregational Church, 2410 Creech Road in Raleigh, NC 27610.
Burial: Carolina Biblical Gardens, 1530 Creech Road in Raleigh, NC 27610.
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Some friends are like family, and Bobby and Lil, I have always considered to be my brother and sister. My dear sister Lil, although I can not be in Raleigh today, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories of Bobby sustain you today and in the days ahead. I will miss our phone calls, and Bobby's quiet strength. May his legacy forever remain in our hearts. Much love to you Lil and the family. My condolences to you Lil and the family. Love BB and your NJ family.
My Prayers go out to Mrs. Lillar Barnes and her family in the loss of your husband, may God continue to Bless you.
The Strickland family sends there Love to Lillar to the lost of her Husband Bobby may God continue to bless you and give you strength. James Strickland and Family
Lillar, my prayers are with you and your family. I pray that God will continue to strengthen and comfort you. Anne C Bailey
I was blessed to meet Mr and Mrs Barnes through my sister in law, Terrie, and family. I will forever remember their love and support for Terrie, as well for one another. Although not related, I pray for that God's peace and love bring Aunt Leia and loved ones much comfort during this difficult time. Enjoy your well earned "Uncle Bobby"
Our Heartfelt Condolences and Prayers to the Barnes family. Rest Well uncle Bob ππΎπ
Cousin Barnes Family, We love you and will keep you in our prayers. We are the extended family on the Deloatch and Gibbons side of the family. β€οΈ
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Praying for you.
Mrs. Barnes, please know that we are lifting you and your family up. We will miss Mr. Barnes. From seeing him at First Congregational Church, receiving his lovely holiday cards, and even stepping in when our father passed, know that we loved and appreciated him. He always had a kind word and kept us encouraged. May God continue to bless you!
Love, The Haywood and Grant Families
We will miss you Uncle Bob We all love you so much Rest In Peace you have earned your wings wear them proudly Sallie Jerry Dexter and Terrie
My heartfelt condolences to the Barnes family. May God grant you peace during this difficult time π
To Mrs. Lillar Barnes and family. I'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your loss. May God wrap each of you in his loving arms as you mourn. For Mrs. Lillard Barnes taught me at Fuquay Consolidated High School.
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Thanks, Bobby, for your friendship and support over the years. Much love, Roland and Marjorie Brown
Thinking of you and your family.
Bobby and Lillar have been a vital part of our family for many years. Bobby was a man of great compassion who enjoyed helping others. He was joyful, pleasant, honest and handsome. He was greatly adored by all who knew him. Bobby was a soldier in the army of the Lord and a soldier in the United States Army. He faithfully exhibited these ideals: A-Aspired to do the will of God R-Religious, Reserved, Respectable, Reliable M-Made a difference in the lives of others by giving his time, talent and monetary gifts Y-Yes the road was rough and the going got tough, yet Bobby still stands in the arms of the Lord. Bobby will be sorely missed. We pledge our love and support to Lillar and the Barnes Family, Always, Forever and a Day. Just another solider on his way .... HOME!! Gloria Peoples/The Peoples Family
A candle was lit in memory of Brother Barnes
Larry and I pray that Bobby's soul rest peacefully among God's chosen ones. He has been a friend of our family a very long. Rest peacefully, my friend.
We will miss having Mr. Bobby on our street. He has been here as our daughters grew up showing kindness always. When the girls were little he would bring them treat bags when he would attend conventions with Lillar- the girls always loved that. We are grateful for his time serving our country. Prayers are with you, Lillar! And also with nephew Tony we would see each week helping with lawn care.
Mr Barnes was always so pleasant and happy. He had a very gentle spirit. We will miss him dearly.
Good friends are hard to come by. You will truly be missed Bobby. My prayers and condolences to Lillar and the family. rest in peace my friend.
Our dear friend and brother in Jesus Christ will be greatly missed. Bobby's kind spirit and gentle demeanor have meant so much to so many. Bobby loved to encourage the youth of First Congregation Church to be the best person in Christ that they could be. As he takes his rest in the presence of Jesus Christ, we all will remember his good works while he lived in our presence. Lillar, we all will be praying for you and the rest of the family to be strong as God blesses you with His presence.
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We are sending our prayers and condolences to our church member and a great friend that will be missed.
Bobby was our neighbor for the last 23 years. We always enjoyed talking with him when we ran into each other out in the yard. We will miss him in our neighborhood but know he is home now with the Lord. Thank you Mr. Bobby for your kindness and service to our nation. May you find peace in Heaven. God Bless!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.