James Dempsey Barnes

James Dempsey Barnes February 4, 1941 – July 16, 2021 James “Tommy” Dempsey Barnes, 80 of Wilson passed away Friday, July 16, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. The Rev. David Barnes will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Joyner’s Funeral Home and other times at the residence. Tommy served his country honorably and faithfully with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a very generous and gracious person. Tommy was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him, he will forever be in our hearts. Tommy is survived by his daughters, Peggy Foley and husband, Kevin of Clemmons, Barbara Sauls and husband, Dennis of Black Creek, Sheila Rowland of Clemmons, and Karmen Smith and husband, William of Bishopville, South Carolina; his sons, James Barnes, Jr. and wife, Gail of Laurel Hill, William Barnes and wife, Cheri of Winston-Salem, and Shane D. Bullard and wife, Nicole of Maxton; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; his brother, Charlie C. Warrick of Wilson; his special friend, Sandy and cousin, Robert Lee Warrick and wife, Louise. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Brown; sister, Sudie Ellen Coley; son-in-law, Dennis Rowland; father, William Dempsey Barnes, and his mother, Mary Frances Creech and step-father, Manley Gray Creech. The family wishes to express their gratitude and thanks to Community Hospice of Wilson and their team, Jenna, Mandy, and Tara for their love, compassion and support that was given to Tommy. Flowers are welcome or please consider memorials in Tommy’s memory to Sudan Shriners Hospitals for Children, 403 East Front Street, New Bern, North Carolina 28560. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.