Ellis Ray Barnes

Ellis Ray Barnes fondly and affectionately known as “Lil Boy” by family and childhood community, only to become known endearing as “Tango” by others was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the Washington City Hospital in Washington, DC. Ellis was born on August 28, 1952, in Robersonville, North Carolina to the late John Carraway and Lillie Mae Barnes, and was raised by his grandparents the late Isom and Lizzie Brown. He attended public schools in Robersonville, NC, graduating from East End High School in 1970. He then attended Elizabeth State University and received a scholarship for the “ESCU” wrestling team. He excelled with high honors as a graduate receiving his Degree in Business Administration in 1974, whilst becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Ellis worked at Howard University as a Senior Buyer/Senior Administration until he retired in 2011. Although in retirement, because of his engaging personality and desire to stay busy he worked part-time at Advanced Auto for a short time.

Ellis inherited a passion for gardening from his grandmother and hunting wildlife from his grandfather. Growing up on the farmland of rural North Carolina, Ellis enjoyed doing these things in the company of his grandparents and cousins. He loved playing softball for the local teams in the area where he lived for almost 30 years. He would travel up and down the east coast attending all of the HBCU football games. He also loved working on his cars, DJing, and fishing. One of his biggest hobbies was cooking and preparing meals with vegetables he harvested, from ribs to deer, you name it, he cooked it. When he was on the grill and you tried to grab a to-go bag, he would jokingly say “this is a cookout, not a carry-out.” He was the creator of the infamous joy drink, greatly known as “Smurf” juice. To be at a “DJ Tango” cookout, you would listen to the best music that included some of his favorite songs like “Have You Seen Her” by the Chi-Lites, a fun verbal duel over his favorite football team the Washington Redskins. And when it was over, you not only left with a full stomach, but the fullness of his wonderful spirit and cheerful heart that was extended to family, friends, and neighbors.

Ellis leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Michael (Margaret) Stancil of Hampton, VA, a daughter, Stephanie Oliver of Washington, DC, Bella (pet German Sheppard), God children, S. Kyle Truhart of Washington, DC, Danae Truhart of Washington, DC, and Gwendolyn Whitfield of Silver Spring, MD, cousins-siblings; Jeanette Hester of Newark, NJ, Julius Paige of Newark, NJ, and James Paige (Rita) of Dover, DE; loyal brother-friends Kim Truhart of Washington, DC and Randy Barnes of Seat Pleasant, MD, devoted loving friend Wanda Gorham, special cousins; Betty Jones (BJ) of Baltimore, MD, Tauheedah Rasul of Raleigh, NC, Michael Barnes and Ethel Smith of Newark, NJ, Joe Burden of Dover, DE, four aunts; Mattie, Garcia, Hazel, and Betty Barnes of NC, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nephew Kenneth Barnes, dear friend Evelyn Stancil, a host of loving cousins, caring neighbors and wonderful warm-hearted friends.

He is preceded to glory by his parents John Carraway and Lillie Mae Barnes, brother Dr. Larry Barnes Sr., and nephew, Larry Barnes Jr.