Robert Barnes of Columbia, Tennessee

March 5, 1954 - March 6, 2020

Mr. Robert Eugene Barnes, age 66, a longtime resident of Apache Trail, passed away unexpectantly at his home on Friday, March 6, 2020.

A graveside service will be conducted by Reverend Terry Peery at West Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM. The family will visit with friends from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, March 8 at Heritage Funeral Home.

Born in Maury County, Robert was the youngest son of the late Eugene and Minnie Kelley Barnes. He was a lifelong member of West Point C.P. Church, where he served as an Elder and was a song leader for over 30 years. In his younger years, he was an avid fly fisherman and spent many happy hours fishing the Duck River and its tributaries.

He was previously employed by General Electric and the Fedders Plant and American Bank Note Plant in Columbia. He was currently employed by ABC Distributors as a quality control inspector. He was a valued employee who was recognized for his dedication, punctuality and work ethic.

Robert was 1972 graduate of Central High School and was a member of the Central High School band. He was a talented musician and derived much pleasure from playing the guitar and the mandolin. His favorite pastime was to play gospel and bluegrass music with his friends and family. He was a member of “The Northwest Union Gospel Singers” for over 12 years. He also used his talents with another group called “In His Name”. He often said his best friend and his first love was his trusty old 6 string guitar.

Robert will be greatly missed. His dry sense of humor, his kind and gentle ways, and his deep faith in God will not be easily forgotten by those who knew and loved.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Nathan Barnes and the mother of his children, Vickie Parrish Barnes Brubaker.

Robert is survived by his son; Jonathan (Becky) Barnes; grandson: Colten Barnes; brother: Roy (Lois) Barnes; uncles: Bobby Barnes, Vance Potts, Roger Hill, Roger Hill and Clyde Kelley; aunts: Jean Kelley, Linda Hill, Naomi Kelley, Barbara Rowland and Hazel Adair.

Robert is also survived by special friends and fellow music lovers: Michael Beard, Tommy Beard, Jimmy Fitzgerald, Al Stevens, Pan Conner and Martha Jones.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Vandiver, Michael Beard, Jimmy Fitzgerald, Kenny Brady, Al Stevens and Wally Hebert. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Beard, Employees of ABC Distributers and West Point C.P. Church.

Memorials may be given to West Point C.P. Church, % Doug Williams, 206 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401