Wiley Barnes was born on October 18, 1936, to the late George Atkinson and Lucille Sharp in Wilson, North Carolina. On Friday, November 15, 2024, God dispatched his angels to transition Wiley to his heavenly residence, from death to eternal life.
Wiley received his education in Frederick Douglas Elementary and Frederick Douglas Jr. and Sr. High Schools in Wilson, North Carolina, and graduated in 1956. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving over 21 years and retired from the military in 1978.
His employment after retirement included a position in the Federal Government, Health and Human Services, as a steward for Secretary Joseph Califano, under the Carter Administration, until 1979; and later accepted a job with the Department of Corrections, Prince Georges County. He loved reading, cooking, horse racing, and watching sports.
Wiley Barnes is the father of four children: James and Shelia Barnes, Tywanna Barnes Mercer, and Stacey Brown. On May 30, 1997, he married Gloria Blalock and was blessed with two bonus daughters, Tarika Robinson and Michele Holt. He also had 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband and a nurturing father.
Wiley was an active member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. He served on the Usher Board, Trustee Board, the United Methodist Men, and was Father of the Year, 2006. He genuinely loved providing support in the church including the annual prayer breakfasts, Men’s Day celebrations, holiday baskets, and anywhere he could fit in. When asked to prepare the food, he could be seen in the kitchen early in the morning ensuring that there would be enough food for everyone. And, if you asked him how he was doing, he always responded “Blessed by the Best.” Wiley continued to serve until his health precluded him from attending Sunday services. He was a loving and generous man, possessed with a pleasant nature, a giving heart, and a sweet spirit.
Wiley was preceded in death by his parents, George Atkinson and Lucille Sharp; sister, Rochelle McCray Adams; brothers, Robert McCray and Michael Atkinson (Sparky); daughter, Tarika Robinson; mother-in-law, Fannie Holt; sisters-in-law, Arlene Mundell (Raymond) and Doris Gray (Milton); and brother-in-law, Darth Holt.
His loving memory will be cherished by his wife, Gloria Barnes; children: James Barnes, Sheila Barnes, Tywanna Barnes Mercer, Stacey Brown, and Michelle Holt; siblings: Patricia Atkinson LeGrande, Helen Atkinson Uzzle, George Rufus Atkinson, Jr., Bobby Ray Atkinson, Mable Doris Atkinson Sanford, Eldress Nancy Jean Atkinson Reid, Anthony Atkinson, and Janice Atkinson Woodard, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Rosetta Fortune (Oliver); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially his family.
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