Obituary of John-Charles Barnes

John Charles Barnes passed away peacefully on May 7, 2012 while recovering from open heart surgery at the Halifax Hospital. He had complications from a pulmonary ailment which had restricted his mobility for the past two years. He also had macular degeneration in both eyes having lost the sight in one eye about a year ago. During these difficulties he had a cheerful spirit and a zest for life which was quite remarkable. John had been a resident in the Daytona area for the past 15 years and was a Real Estate investor. He was born in Statesboro, Georgia July 20, 1939, the youngest son of John Charles Barnes and Lelia Mae Hawkins Barnes, and was pre-deceased by two sisters and one brother and his daughter Sarah Lynn who was the "Love of his life" and died of cancer in February 2008 at the age of 44, which John really never got over. John is survived by his sister Bertie Mae Rotureau of Chattanooga, Tennessee as well; as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by William J. Braun, his companion; and "Shatzie" his beloved Schnauzer who gave him much comfort during his failing health. John had a great love for the sea having lived in Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia for several years before coming to Daytona Beach, where he resided at the Aliki Towers, Aliki Forum, The Sherwin and the Shores Club… all on the ocean. He was an ardent race-car fan as well as a serious collector of fine classic automobiles. John was a U.S. Army veteran having been Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves on March 6, 1963. He was a member of the Sunset Harbor Yacht Club and kept his yacht, the "Sarah Lynn" at the Halifax Harbor Marina for several years. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Daytona Beach. John's memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 21st at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 216 Orange Ave., Daytona Beach with Rev. Dr. August Sorvillo officiating. The service will be preceded by a visitation at Baggett-Summers Funeral Home, 736 Beach Street beginning at 12:30 pm, where friends will have the opportunity to meet with his family. John will be laid to rest at the Baptist Church Cemetery in Hinesville, Georgia next to his daughter Sarah Lynn Barnes-Beck and his late wife Sarah Smiley McDonough. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.