Walter Barnes, Sr. was born to the late Jessie Barnes, Sr. and Octavia Howard Barnes September 18, 1946 in Columbia, MS. He was a faithful member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in his home town where he served on the Usher Board until he moved to Biloxi, MS. He then began to fellowship with and became a member of New Community Church where he served as a Deacon, a member of the Male Choir and a member of the Usher Board, until his health began to fail. He was known to his friends and family as "Nank." Walter worked as a linesman for various power companies in the south and eastern seaboard and retired after many years of dedicated service. He was an energetic and enthusiastic team member with MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME; always ready in a moment's notice and willing to help in any way he could. Walter Barnes, Sr. was called home to be with the Lord Tuesday, December 11, 2018 in Gulfport at the tender age of 72.Walter was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Jessie Barnes, Jr., Welton Barnes and Walter "Snoop" Barnes, one son, Edward "Big Ed" Barnes and a granddaughter, Dionne James.He leaves to cherish his memories his wife: Sannie Barnes; one son: Walter Barnes, Jr.; two daughters: Shamonia Barnes and Muryiam Jefferson; two sisters: Eloise Johnson and Mary Lee Braxton; nine grandchildren: Deszmond Johnson, Jermarious Ball, Lakevionne Jefferson, Zakeidra Barnes, Eddriunna Barnes, Aah Myrkhal Jefferson, Marcellus Jefferson, Keundra Nelson, Khylon Wilborn; seven great grandchildren; one god daughter: Quintina Alexander; a special daughter: Megean Russell; two special sons: Danny Jackson and Joshua McCovery; a best friend: James Rainey; a very special niece: Sandra "Sheryll" Henry; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who loved him dearly. The works have done,Sometimes it seems so small,It seems like I have done nothing at all.Lord I am leaning and depending on You,If I do right You are going see me through;May the works,Let it speak for me.May the works I have done speak for me.When I am resting in my grave,There is nothing more to be said;May the works,Let it speak for me.May the life I live speak for me.When I am resting in my grave,There is nothing more to be said;May the works,Let it speak for me. The family would like to thank everyone for the prayers, phone calls, text messages and encouraging words we have received. Thank you to Rev. Guy and the officers and members of New Community Baptist Church in Biloxi and Rev. Daniels and the officers and members of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia, MS for continued comfort and support you have provided our family. A special thanks to St. Joseph Hospice of Gulfport and Hattiesburg, MS for making Walter comfortable during his final days. May God bless each of you.The Walter Barnes Family