John D. Barnes

Born at Langley Field, Virginia to the late Jesse and Emily Barnes, John grew up in Ahoskie, North Carolina. After graduating from Ahoskie High School, he earned a degree in Engineering Mechanics from North Carolina State University where he made lifelong friends as a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order. He ultimately launched a successful career providing IT services through his company, Computer Resources of NC, LLP.

John was a golfer, an avid reader and worked crossword puzzles in ink. Even though he was an Eagle Scout, he would quickly tell you that the only camping equipment he had was his credit card. He loved bluegrass music, chocolate and playing cards. After learning to play bridge with his parents as a teenager, he fell in love with the game and by the age of 32 had earned his Life Master. He later earned his Silver Life Master and added the enjoyment of playing gin rummy. He was a Wednesday night regular at the Greensboro Whist Club for 35 years.

John met his wife, Helen, in Greensboro. They were married at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in 1975 where he remained an active member throughout his life. John loved and cherished his family and was especially proud of his son, John, and loved him beyond measure. Known as granddaddy, he loved and adored his precious grandchildren.

He will be remembered by his family as a sweet, kind, loving husband, father, and grandfather who was a quiet supporter of those less fortunate.

In addition to his wife, Helen Barnes, he is survived by his son, John Barnes, and his wife Jennifer, three grandchildren, Isabella, Eloise, and John Barnes of Greensboro. He is also survived by his brother, Timothy Barnes (Mary Ann) of Savannah, GA, sister Martha Barnes of Bluffton, SC, three nieces and nephews and a great niece, sisters-in-law Anne-Marie Sparrow and Elizabeth Robertson (Al) of Atlanta, GA, Louise Freeman of Athens, GA, and Loretta Flowers (Tom) of Columbus, GA and six nieces and nephews and their children. He is also survived by his Montagnard family, Y Ue Mlo, his wife, H Jer Nie, their children Y Mois, H De, Y Giu, and H Lysa Nie (Skut Ayun) and their children.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Walter Pharr and his staff for being with them every step of this journey and to the dedicated caregivers of Spring Arbor and AuthoraCare of Greensboro.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00, Friday, July 11, 2025, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church with inurnment to follow in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends in the Haywood Duke Room following the service.

If one wishes, in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 N. Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 or to Duke University, Fekrat Alzheimer's Research, 2910761, Duke Health and Development, Attn: Duke Eye Center, 300 West Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701.