Charles Henry Barnes, Jr., of Richmond, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at the age of 87. Devoted and loving husband, father, brother, father-in-law, and friend, he was predeceased in death by his wife of 54 years, Mary Frances Barnes. Surviving are his daughter, Melody C. Barnes and son-in-law, Marland E. Buckner Jr.; sister, Ethel Thigpen; brother, Lawrence Barnes of Montclair, N.J.; companion, Waddell Venable; a host of cousins and friends.

Born in Richmond, Charles graduated from Armstrong High School and then served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Japan. Honorably discharged, Charles married Frances and they welcomed their daughter, Melody. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Charles served as Installation Maintenance Manager at the United States Quartermaster Center and Fort Lee (now, Fort Gregg-Adams) until his retirement in 1995.

Deeply committed to God and his community, Charles was an active member of Moore Street Baptist Church and served as chairman of the Deacon Board and was a summer bible study instructor. He later joined Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a member of the Men’s Fellowship. Charles’s community service took many forms, including lifetime membership in the Richmond Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and serving as an inaugural board member of the North Richmond Recreational Association. With his wife, Frances, he quietly and consistently extended a helping hand and resources to those in need.

Known for his kindness, candor, and quick wit, Charles was also a member of the Thebans Beneficial Club and Club 533. In retirement, he could often be found working with children as a substitute teacher in Richmond Public Schools, on the golf course, fishing, playing bridge, at dinner with friends, or enjoying his beloved Hilton Head Island with family, including Melody and Marland’s friends.

Charles devoted his life to the care and well-being of his family and they are heartbroken by this loss. They will deeply and always miss him and their comfort comes knowing that he is at peace with God.