George T. (Tommy) “Toot” Barnes, born September 25, 1939, died March 28, 2009. He was a brick and block mason by trade for most of his life, but also was a police officer in Porterdale, and served briefly as a security guard. Music consumed the better part of his life, it was his legacy. He will be sadly missed by family and friends alike, but we have the comfort that he is at peace now. He has fought the good fight, and won the victory that is in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, T. Grady and Ruth S. Barnes, and sister, Vickie Peplinski.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Kenda Barnes of Porterdale; brothers, J. Pat Barnes of Covington, Billy Barnes of Detroit, MI; step-sons and step-daughters-in-law, Lee and Julie Millwood, Phil and Allison Millwood, all of Covington; grandchildren, Jessalyn, Drew and Kenleigh Barnes; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Barnes were held Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 2 PM, at Red Oak United Methodist Church with Rev. Miguel A. Velez officiating, and interment followed in Lawnwood Memorial Park.

“My Guitar Man”

He taught himself to play when he was just a child, Years later he would say, He was the oldest child alive. His music was his life, you could tell that when he’d play, “Do it like you want to,” was what he always used to say. Every song he wrote, was about his life and what he done, The words were from his heart, and man did he have one. He has gone on to Heaven now, where I’m sure he’ll write some more, About the times he’s having there, and the Lord he came to adore. May those songs he left us with, forever carry on with “his” sound, And his memory live forever, as if he was still around. And to all he influenced to play, play them best as you can, Remember in your hearts, they are for my guitar man.

~Thomas A. Barnes