Mr. Anthony Lewis "Tony" Barnes

July 2, 1960 - October 1, 2016

Anthony “Tony” Lewis Barnes was born on July 2, 1960 in Danville, Kentucky to Naomi Wilkinson Barnes and Thomas (Patricia) Barnes. He professed his hope in Christ at an early age at First Baptist Church, Lexington, Kentucky. He later became a faithful member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Felix G. Williams III. Tony graduated from Bryan Station High School with the class of 1979. He excelled in Track and Field and was awarded a scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University. He was employed for over 21 years at General Electric Corporation until his retirement. Tony was a good son and brother. He was renowned throughout the community and was referred to as “Mr. Lexington.” His smile was a light that will be missed by his very close friends, especially of the “Oakwood Neighborhood.” But his love for living will forever be remembered by their motto: “When one hurts, they all hurt; when one wins, they all win.” He loved his children and seldom said no to anything they would ask of him. His grandchildren surely held the crown and glory of his heart. He was a gentle giant, but proved to be outspoken when it came to his personal opinion. He held a treasured place in his heart for children. He would often say in reference to his special children, “they keep me going.” You can hear echoes from his children and grandchildren who called him “Daddy” and “Paw Paw,” but it would certainly be remiss if it was overlooked that nieces, nephews, friends and special children referred to him by momentous names such as “Uncle Bone” or “Bone” and “GodDaddy,” that would lead one to believe him to be as strong as a backbone. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Lee Barnes; paternal grandparents, JC and Laura Barnes; maternal grandparents, Silas and Christine Wilkinson of Indian Creek, Casey County. In addition to his parents, he leaves to cherish his memory, three children, Anthony Dupree’ (Brandi) Barnes, Ariahn Danyelle Barnes, and Valtza Micah Gabrielle Barnes; three grandchildren, Tristan Dupree’ Barnes, Asia Carmichael Barnes, and Braxton Lewis Barnes; special children, Rynoisha Snodgrass, LaQuan Black, Rajjzion Black, and China Johnson; one God-child, Kennedy Cole; one sister, Phyllis Ann Barnes; one brother, Keith Jones; the mothers of his children, Natalie Mason Barnes and Diana Mabson Barnes; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many best friends including Eric Keith Cole and Gary Dunaway. He also leaves behind many in-laws who remain special in his heart. Tony once said, “How does one quit loving someone?” This speaks volumes of his love for the lives he touched.