Obituary

George F. Barnes, Jr. stepped into his eternal home on November 12, 2025, while in Mesa, Arizona. He passed away at peace with both God and man, a smile of joy, and flashing the baby-blues at the nurse. For his friends and family, it was both a sad yet glad day. There will be sorrow here on earth, but rejoicing in heaven at a saint who has come home.

Forrest was born on September 9, 1933, in Spiro, Oklahoma. He was the son of George F.
Barnes, Sr. of Mississippi, and Lola Mae (Gill) Barnes of Oklahoma. Around 1938, his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. First living in tents along Central Avenue, and later moving into a small house on 10th Street and Apache Street, in south Phoenix. This is the neighborhood in which he grew up, went to school, and worked.

At the age of twelve, Forrest began working as a bagboy at Food City. It was here that he would invest his whole working career until near retirement. The only interruption in his employment was a trip to the Pacific Ocean with Uncle Sam as a member of the US Navy. In the Navy Forrest served as a Yeoman on a Gearing-class destroyer named USS Carpenter, an advanced “submarine killer”. He loved to tell stories of his experience aboard ship and the places they traveled chasing submarines. While on duty he participated in the nuclear testing in the Pacific, called Operation Ivy.

On September 24, 1959, Forrest was ready to settle down and married Marion Y. Vian. They were wed at Parkview Baptist Church, across the street from Food City. Forrest and Marion had an incredible marriage, and she was just the woman he needed as a life companion. Wasting no time to begin the family their bond produced a daughter, Elizabeth in September of 1960, a son, George, III, in March of 1963, and a second son, Gregory in November 1966. Their marriage lasted nearly 45 years until Marion’s passing in May of 2004.

Throughout Forrest’s life He loved and served Jesus as a faithful member of his church. He taught Sunday School, ushered, served as Chairman of the Deacons, and many other places as were needed. He taught his children about consistent weekly participation in the life of the church family and generously giving to the work of ministry. All the while, fully supporting Marion as she served and blessed the church with her many gifts and talents.

Even though Forrest grew up in very humble circumstance he was a generous man. He was
always willing to give to his God, his family, and his church. When others around him had a need, he always made a way to help. Providing food, lending a hand, or financially blessing others was always in the realm of his heart and hands.

Forrest is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert and Wayne, his sisters Betty, Lucrecia, and Florence. He leaves behind his brother Dale (Barbara) Barnes; daughter Elizabeth Newbury (Keith), sons George Barnes (Monica) and Gregory Barnes (Kim). Grandchildren: George (Samantha) Barnes, Joshua Barnes, Katie (Joe) McAndrew; Aubrey Barnes; Cody (Candra) Barnes; Laura Newbury. Great-grandchildren: Lilah, Isabelle, Colton, Everleigh, Emilia, Calum Forrest, Charlotte, Emma, and Braxton. As well as extended family and many friends who shared in his life.