His obituary in the Chattanooga Daily Rebel stated in part: "Many of his exploits are wholly unrecorded and numbers of them forgotten amid the confused turmoil of war, and its crowded canvass of events. After the most useful career as an independent commander, Col. Starnes was attached to the regular cavalry service, and gained a rare, though not noisy reputation in the service for courage, reliability and skill. Personally he was a man of unblemished character as a Christian and citizen. His manners were quiet and reserved, but respectful and kind. He was in the prime of life, and the vigor of experience. The tears of a bereaved family and the sorrow of a devoted band of comrades follow him to an early but hallowed grave. All honor his name."
His obituary in the Chattanooga Daily Rebel stated in part: "Many of his exploits are wholly unrecorded and numbers of them forgotten amid the confused turmoil of war, and its crowded canvass of events. After the most useful career as an independent commander, Col. Starnes was attached to the regular cavalry service, and gained a rare, though not noisy reputation in the service for courage, reliability and skill. Personally he was a man of unblemished character as a Christian and citizen. His manners were quiet and reserved, but respectful and kind. He was in the prime of life, and the vigor of experience. The tears of a bereaved family and the sorrow of a devoted band of comrades follow him to an early but hallowed grave. All honor his name."