Mr. Howard Lee "Pee Wee" Barnes, 87, of Conyers, passed away at his home July 2. Pee Wee, as he was lovingly known, was born in Porterdale, the son of Levi and Ruby (Thompson) Barnes.

After graduating from North Georgia Technical College, he and his beloved wife Vivian worked together for many years building a jewelry business, now known as Conyers Jewelers, which is the longest continuously operated family business in Conyers. He was one of the first volunteer firefighters in Rockdale County and was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church where he was involved with the food ministry. As a lover of antique and classic cars, Mr. Barnes was a member of the Model A Ford Club of America, 55-56-57 Chevrolet Club and the Antique Automobile Club of America. He often spent his time building and restoring antique and vintage cars. In addition, he was a 51-year member of Philologia Masonic Lodge No. 178 and Scottish Rite and very active with the Yaarab Shrine Club, where he often attended parades and fundraisers for the children’s hospitals. Mr. Barnes loved his family dearly and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years Vivian (Burnette) Barnes; children Kay Shepherd, Phil Tidwell and his wife Michelle; granddaughter Teri Tidwell Stanley and her husband Mark; grandson Jason Tidwell; great-grandchildren Marlee Stanley and Will Stanley, all of Conyers; sisters Mildred Lord of Covington, Jeanette Jackson of Newnan; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 5, at the chapel of Caldwell and Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, with Pastor Mackie Hawkins and Dale Adamson officiating, and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. today, July 3.