Earl LeFaite “Erkie” Barnes, 78, of Enigma passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at his residence. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 3, 2018, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Landon Alberson officiating. Mr. Barnes will be laid to rest at Turner Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Enigma. The family will receive friends Friday, November 2, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Wayne Aultman, Chris Stephens, Jamie Williams, Buddy Dowdy, Eric Hughes, Robert Wheeler, Jakie Goddard, William Ferrell, Wallace Hughes and Hal McMillan will serve as pallbearers.
Born August 24, 1940 in Berrien County, Mr. Barnes was the son of the late L. F. (LeFaite) “Fate” Barnes and Myrtle Irene Rowe Barnes. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Roy Barnes and Randall Barnes; one brother, Charles Barnes; and two sisters, Glinda Cone and Joan Tyson. He was retired from the Georgia Department of Transportation and was a great father, husband and “Papa”.
Mr. Barnes is survived by his wife, Mary Virginia “Tweety” Lupo Barnes of Enigma; four sons and daughters-in-law, Raymond and Tesa Barnes, Ricky Lamar and Jennifer Barnes, Rayford L. and Gina Barnes and Matt and Jessie Barnes, all of Enigma; one brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Brenda Barnes of Tifton; one sister, Myrdice “Bootsie” Dowdy of Enigma; eight grandchildren, Drew Giddens, Erin Barnes, Brandon Barnes, Gracie Barnes, Morgan Barnes, Matthew Barnes Jr., Josh Barnes and Brandi Barnes; and three great-grandchildren, Melodie Barnes, Riley Barnes and Kensley Barnes.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Tift Area, P. O. Box 747, Tifton, GA 31793.