Tom Barnes

Tom Barnes, born April 17, 1946 in Vina, Alabama, passed away on April 1, 2023. He is survived by his wife: Donna; his daughters: Sherri Barnes and Rachel Dillard (Jason); his daughter-in-law: Carrie Barnes (Tommy); his stepdaughter: Holly Webb; his grandchildren: Hannah Danho, Bentley Barnes, Harper Dillard, and Harrison Dillard; and his step-grandchildren: Makinzie McKee, Kaytlin Webb, and Holland Posey. He was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence Leonard Barnes and Ausie Jessie McCarley Barnes; his sister: Willodean Barnes Simmons; his brother: James Edward Barnes; his brother: Herbert Louis Barnes; his son: Tommy Barnes; and his stepson: Dustin Pierce. Tom voluntarily enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1963 and was soon deployed to Vietnam for active duty. He was the forward observer for his team in the Force Recon Special Operations. He received two Purple Hearts due to serious injuries from enemy action, including gunshot wound to his abdomen and mortar fire wounds. In a book called “Lullabies for Lieutenants” by Franklin Cox, the following was written about Tom: “Corporal Tommy Weaver (name changed in book) made his rank at 20 years of age. He was an incredibly gifted youth who approached his daily regimen with optimism and intelligence. He was a Marine’s Marine, rare at his age. He grew up in the rural fields of the south trapping and hunting and never missed a beat in the bush. He was at home in the jungle as the enemy.” He proudly served 10 ½ years in the Marine Corps. He later joined the US Army National Guard and eventually retired from military service. Tom then achieved a bachelor degree from University of Montevallo. He had numerous civilian jobs including criminal investigation and undercover drug enforcement with Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and drug enforcement with DEA and FBI. Tom trained and worked with drug detection K9 dogs during these careers. He also owned and operated a private security and investigation company. In his younger years, he enjoyed training and showing Tennessee Walking Horses. As he got older, he left the horses behind and focused on riding his Harley. Tom was devoted to supporting other veterans as shown by his leadership in the American Legion Post 131 in Columbiana, Alabama. He was proud to ride with the Patriot Guard escorting deceased veterans to their final resting place. Tom had been a pastor and associate pastor of different Christian churches and was devoted to his faith. He loved singing and listening to southern gospel music. As serious as he was, he enjoyed life living at the lake, fishing and boating, “knees in the breeze” and “wind therapy,” and of course he loved spending time with his family and was so proud of each one. Tom was a very giving person who was loved and respected by many. He was one tough old Marine! Semper Fi! Pallbearers are members of the American Legion Riders Post 131. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023 9:30 AM at Bolton Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 10:30AM. Charles Longshore is officiating. Burial will take place at The Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to American Legion Post 131 Scholarship Fund. P. O. Box 261, Columbiana, Alabama 35051 Please sign online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.

Tom Barnes

April 17, 1946 - April 1, 2023