Edward Bascom “Buddy” Barnes Jr., known simply as “Buddy” to everyone who knew and loved him, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of faith, integrity, hard work, and unconditional love for his family. He was the kind of man whose quiet strength spoke louder than words. Gentle and kind by nature, he was also firm when the moment called for it, always guided by wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of right and wrong.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Bro. Baker Creel officiating and grandson, Trevor Barnes assisting. Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the chapel of Bottoms Funeral Home-Hartford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Bascom Barnes, Sr. and Bessie Mae Cullifer Barnes; brothers, Dolpheus Barnes, Harold “Doc” Barnes, Foy Barnes, Mackie Barnes, and Lamar Barnes; and sisters, Carolyn Dean and Mary Smith.
Buddy faithfully served his country through the National Guard, retiring after many years of dedicated service with the National Guard unit in Hartford, Alabama. He also dedicated more than three decades of service to Fort Rucker, where he worked in several positions throughout his career. His commitment to duty was extraordinary. Upon his retirement, he was honored for an incredible accomplishment—never missing a single day of work in more than thirty years. That recognition reflected the loyalty, discipline, and dependability that defined his life.
Above all else, Buddy loved the Lord. His faith was evident in the way he treated people—with grace, humility, patience, and forgiveness. He was one of the most forgiving men anyone could hope to know, always willing to extend kindness and compassion.
He loved his family with all his heart. He was immensely proud of his sons, Mark and Greg, and treasured every moment with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also held a deep appreciation for his family’s heritage and believed in preserving the values and traditions that had been passed down through generations.
Buddy was a meticulous man who believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right. He had a lifelong passion for antiques, books, history, and collecting unique treasures. He loved to read and was always eager to learn something new. He also had the heart and mind of an inventor. He had a remarkable ability to take something that already worked and make it even better, using his creativity, resourcefulness, and determination to improve whatever was in front of him.
Those who knew Buddy will remember a man who was generous with both his time and his heart. He led by example, worked without complaint, forgave freely, loved deeply, and lived with quiet humility. He was the kind of man whose influence could be felt without ever demanding attention.
He is survived by his children, Greg (Rhonda) Barnes of Slocomb and Mark (Rose) Barnes of Hartford; grandchildren, Trevor (Alyson) Barnes, Jenna (Will) Hays, Holdon (Brittany) Barnes, Dalton Barnes, Donavon Barnes, Dillon Lunsford and Drake Lunsford; great grandchildren, Elizabeth Barnes, Brior Barnes, Harlow Barnes, Jayce Barnes, Wyatt Barnes, Kara Lunsford, and Paisleigh Lunsford; sister, Betty Sue Bottoms; along with several nieces and nephews.
Edward Bascom “Buddy” Barnes Jr. leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by awards or accomplishments alone, but by the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the example he set every day. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Serving as pallbearers will be Trevor Barnes, Holdon Barnes, Dalton Barnes, Donavon Barnes, Gabby Johnson, and Will Hays.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
