John Jacob Barnes, Jr.

   John Jacob Barnes, Jr. 91, of Parker's Church Road, Corapeake, NC, died Sunday, November 26, 2017.

  Mr. Barnes, known as “John, Jr.” and “Buddy Barnes”, was born in Suffolk, VA on August 5, 1926, and was the son of the late John Jacob Barnes, Sr. and Julia Ellis Barnes Watkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lucille Doyle, and by his beloved uncle Frank and aunt Beulah Mae Barnes.

   John Jr.'s love of farming began at an early age, having grown up on the Barnes family farm until World War II. An Army veteran, he served his country as a Private First Class as a driver and MP in the Pacific theater. Following his military service, he had a long career in the trucking industry, holding positions as a truck driver and dock manager for Estes Express Lines. He built a home and lived in Norfolk, VA for over 40 years where he raised his daughter, “Daddy’s little girl”, before returning to the farm he loved after retiring. He was always ready with a story and memories of his very full life. A dedicated racing fan, he travelled to stock car races up and down the east coast long before NASCAR became popular. As long as a Ford was up front, Buddy was happy.

  Surviving are his daughter, Diane Barnes Suffa and husband Chris; two granddaughters, Jennifer Blackburn and Kimberly Bell; and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Madison Freeman.

   Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in Parker’s United Methodist Church, Corapeake, and will be officiated by the Rev. Carroll Bundy. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family in the church social hall immediately following the service.

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made to them by visiting www.millerfhc.com.