Billy Ray Barnes

Billy Ray Barnes of Landis passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the age of 90. He is survived by his twin daughters, Billi (Bibi) Akins (Todd) and Lani Barnes Baxter (Jerry), grandsons, Coty Stewart (Brittany) and Will Akins, and great granddaughter Aria Stewart. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Daugherty Barnes, and wife, Janice Barnes.

Born on May 14, 1935, Billy distinguished himself early as a three-sport star at Landis High School, earning accolades in football, baseball, and basketball before going on to collegiate success at Wake Forest University. At Wake Forest, he became the first football player in the Atlantic Coast Conference history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season and earned All-American and ACC Player of the Year honors in 1956. Billy also recorded the last out of the 1955 College World Series which gave Wake Forest their first and only championship.

Drafted in the second round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Barnes quickly became one of the league’s standout halfbacks. His professional career spanned nine seasons with the Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Minnesota Vikings. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he was an integral part of the Eagles’ 1960 NFL Championship team, contributing key plays on the game-winning drive. Over his NFL career, he amassed 3,421 rushing yards, 1,786 receiving yards, and scored 38 touchdowns. His remarkable career earned him induction into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Following his playing days, Barnes continued his involvement in football as a coach in the Continental Football League (Charleston Rockets) and the NFL (New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons). After football, he became a successful contractor before retiring to his home town of Landis.

Billy will be remembered not only for his toughness on the field but also for his dedication and love for his family, Landis, and Wake Forest University.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Landis on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. The family will receive guests before the celebration from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at the church. The family asks that that donations to the Deacon Club or Cure Alzheimer’s Fund be made instead of flowers.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Barnes family.