Obituary of Spencer Barnes

Ralph Spencer Barnes left this earth on Thursday July 18^th, 2019 at Carolinas Medical Center with family by his side.  He was a loyal father, grandfather and a dear friend to many; all who never left his presence without a story.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude Spencer Barnes and his father, Ralph King Barnes. He is survived by his ex-wife, Sue, who lovingly participated in his care during his last years of life, 3 children; Jon and his wife, Dawn, Jenny and her husband Travis, and daughter Sarah, as well as his sister Claire and her husband Steve Parlier.  He also had 6 grandchildren who he boasted about often; Khaya-16, Aly-15, Isaac-12, Aiden-11, Landon-6, and Aiden-5, and a nephew Chad and his family. 

Spencer was born on March 21, 1942 in Newport News, Virginia and grew up in Jackson, NC. He graduated from the University of North Carolina and had been a dedicated Tarheel ever since.  Anyone that knew him, knew that his blood ran Carolina blue and he spent years traveling to and from Chapel Hill with friends and family attending basketball and football games. 

Spencer married Cynthia Sue James and together, they relocated to Charlotte, NC where he resided for the remainder of his life.  Spencer had a wide array of interests including a love for theater, music, and sports. He spent years as a member of First Baptist Church, Charlotte serving with the sign-language ministry as well as the TV ministry.  He loved having lunch at those tried and true southern café’s in Charlotte and developed great friendships at each of them. 

A visitation will be held in Charlotte on Friday July 26, 2019 at 10am immediately followed by a service of celebration at 11am.  Services will be held at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd. Charlotte NC 28203.  On July 27, 2019, we will have a small gathering in Seaboard, NC, where Spencer was from.  The visitation and service will be at Seaboard Methodist Church,313 S. Main ST., Seaboard, NC 27876 followed by a burial at Seaboard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Least of these Carolinas, 418 S. South Street Gastonia, NC 28052 or you may give online at www.lotcarolinas.com. Adoption is a huge part of Spencer’s family and one that he was most proud of.   Arrangements are in the care of Hankins and Whittington Funeral