Willie Earl Barnes

Deacon Willie Earl Barnes was born September 6, 1940, to the union of David and Gladys Barnes in Fairfield, Texas. 

Willie Earl matriculated through Ennis ISD where he graduated from George Washington Carver High School. 

In 1962, Willie Earl married Margie Louise Ware who he first met at Dorie Miller Elementary School.  The couple had four lovely daughters; Carla, Tammy, Donna and Chante.      

Deacon Willie Barnes accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was a faithful member of Denley Drive Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years.  He was on the deacon board, served as a devoted usher and received the esteemed honor of Man of the Year in 2010.      

Willie Earl retired from Borden Diary Company in 2006 after 42 years and was the company’s first Black wholesale manager.    

Deacon Willie Barnes peacefully transitioned from this life on December 20, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Margie Louise Barnes; his parents, David and Gladys Barnes; youngest sister, Sallie Ann Barnes Johnson; brother, David Barnes, Sr.; and a favored nephew, David Barnes, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory; daughters, Carla Barnes Brown (Marvin), Tammy Renell Barnes, Donna Louise Barnes (Audrea), Chante Barnes Brantley (Ray); six grandchildren, Carlton, Brandon, Tierra, Xavier, Alexandria, Troymund; one great-grandson, Carlton Jr. (“CJ”); and one great-granddaughter, Jazzlyn; three sisters, Edna, Bobbie, and Minnie; and loved nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. 

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