AHOSKIE – William Ralph Barnes, age 65, of Ahoskie, passed away on June 4, 2015 at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC.

Mr. Barnes was born on October 30, 1949 to the late Clarence Albert and Margaret Askew Barnes in Ahoskie, NC. He was a member of Powellsville Baptist Church for many years, and attended Holly Grove Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Bertie County High School, a member of Powellsville Fire Department, and an Army veteran of Vietnam. Ralph retired from Century Link as a telecommunications technician after 42 years of service.  He enjoyed life after retirement, especially his classic cars, playing softball, and most of all, his grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his brothers, Clarence Albert Barnes, Jr., Robert Barnes, and Danny Barnes; and a sister, Florence B. Powell.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 45 years, Deborah Speller Barnes; his son, Brent Barnes and wife, Rena of Ahoskie, NC; two granddaughters, Cassey Blake Barnes and Riley Hayes Barnes of Ahoskie, NC; three sisters, Dee Jewitt and husband, Eric of Jonesboro, TN, Judy B. Jones and husband, J.D. of Powellsville, NC, and Darlene Castelloe and husband, Gary of Windsor, NC; and two brothers, Roy Barnes of Pollocksville, NC, and Phillip Barnes of Suffolk, VA; .

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 7, 2015 from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Garrett Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie Chapel, Ahoskie, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Garrett Sykes Funeral Service   Ahoskie Chapel, Ahoskie, NC, with the Rev. J. N. Baggett officiating. Burial will follow in Stoney Creek Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675.

Garrett Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie Chapel,  is handling the arrangements for the Barnes family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.