William Wilbur Barnes

William Wilbur Barnes, age 87, of Baxley passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026 at his residence.

Mr. Barnes was born on August 7, 1938, in Appling County to the late Jake Barnes and the late Effie Mae Murphy Barnes. He was a devoted member of Spring Branch Baptist Church, where he attended Henry Branch’s Sunday School Class and served with the SBBC Kitchen Crew. Mr. Barnes enjoyed gardening, fishing, and spending time with his family, whom he cherished dearly.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Barnes is preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Lee Barnes; siblings; Levis, Hubert, Orvil, Ivy, Shirley, Vernon; and grandchildren, Jessica Byrne and John Hudson Carter.

Survivors include his daughters, Pam (Keven) Carter, Donna (Jon) Wheeler, and Angie Alexander, all of Baxley; sons, Ricky (Nickie) Barnes and Robby (Kristi) Barnes, all of Baxley; Twelve grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Lamb, Rev. Bryan Gill, Rev. Rick Brown and Nate Barnes officiating and a eulogy by Hunter Leggett. Interment will follow in Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Jake Barnes, Maverick Barnes, Nate Barnes, Tucker Barnes, Hunter Leggett, Jon Haden Wheeler, Trey Barnes and Travis Barnes.

Honorary pallbearers will be Teresa Martinez, Betty Howard,  Alma Haynes, Karen Shipes, Dr. Clay Carter, Caroline Anderson & staff, Frank & Ann Barber, Buddy Walker, Cecil Nail, SBBC Adult Sunday School Class, Roger & Betty Browher, Baxley Wellness Pharmacy, and a special friend, Joyce Fowler.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Spring Branch Baptist Church.

The family will assemble at the home of Pam & Keven Carter, 344 Deerfield Dr., Baxley.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.