SSgt Edward S. \\"Smitty\\" Barnes, age 75, died on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, NC. He was born in Robeson County, NC to the late Howard Reedy Barnes and Ethel Mae Smith Barnes on June 20, 1934. He was in the United States Marine Corps and retired after twenty years of service. He was co-owner of Barnes Automotive & Equipment Service Center, Inc.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his former wife, Shirley Meares Barnes.

Mr. Barnes is survived by his wife, Billie Blades Barnes of Lumberton, NC; three sons, Michael Barnes and wife Gloria of the home, Bobby Barnes and wife Vanessa of Lumberton, NC and Wayne Barnes and wife Lynn of Lumberton, NC; one daughter, Monica Ragaes of Port Sulpher, LA; one step-son, Jeffery Blades of York, SC; two brothers, Thomas Barnes of Richmond, VA and Clinton Barnes of Beaufort, NC; two sisters, Christine Thompson of Portsmouth, VA and Ethleen Watts of Lumberton, NC; eight grandchildren, Penelope, Michael, Cathy, Candie, Bobby Dean II, Zachary, Nina and Peyton; and eight great-grandchildren, Taylor, Mallory, Mackenzie, Brenden, Kayli, Jaydon, Braydon and Graycie.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 1:00 PM at Jackson Swamp Cemetery in Lumberton, NC with Rev. Mark Meadows officiating.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening, January 12, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC.