Carey Ellis Barnes Sr. affectionallycalled 'Sonny' was born May 9, 1928 in Pensacola, Florida to the late James Arthur Barnes Sr. and Elizabeth Clack. He was educated in Pensacola, Fl. The family moved from Pensacola to Tallahassee, Florida and worked as sharecroppers when he was a child. The family worked the land until his grandmother was able to purchase the land from the owner. The Family joined Testerina Primitive Baptist church where Carey accepted Christ and where generations of family members still attend. At the age of 14, Carey dropped out of school, so that he could work to help support his family after his father passed away. His first job was delivering milk. In the early 1940's, he became a construction worker with Cobb construction company in Tallahassee, Fl. When the company relocated to Tampa, he left Tallahassee and moved to Tampa so that he could continue to work and support his Mother and siblings. He worked in various cities through the state of Florida helping to build many of Florida's highway, roadways and bridges. When Cobb construction company was acquired by Oman construction company in Brooksville, Fl. Carey travels to Brooksville every day for work. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. He was promoted to Construction Foreman and given his own construction team. He was so proud of his new position. He often said, 'They made me, 'A Colored man' a Construction Foreman and they gave me a crew'. He worked for Oman construction company for over 50 years. In addition to working at Oman construction, he worked part-time for Eastern Airline cleaning and stocking the aircraft at night. He finally retired from Oman Construction in 1996. However, it didn't take him long to realize he did not like retirement. In 1997 at the age of 70, he was hired by the Sheriff's department. He worked as a crossing guard for 11 years in addition to working part-time for P&L cleaning services. Carey finally retired from working at the age of 81. He spent his remaining years taking care of his best friend and sister Mary until she passed away in Nov. of 2018. Carey loved watching baseball and Old Westerns. He loved helping others and always helped whoever was in need. He loved getting visits from his Family and was blessed to live out his final days at home surrounded by four generations of family member. He was a faithful member of New Progress Missionary Baptist Church for many years and he was a faithful giver. Carey transitioned on February 6, 2020. He was proceeded in death by his Parents James A. Barnes Sr. and Elizabeth Clack Barnes. Brother: James A. Barnes Jr., Sisters: Vernell Barnes and Mary Barnes Ball. Mother of his children: Bettye Jean McClendon Walker, Daughters; Mary Barnes Davis and Yvette Barnes. Great-great granddaughter Jai Best. Brother-in-law; Robert P. Ball, and Sister-in-law Onnie Barnes. Nephew: Reginald Barnes. Niece Regina Barnes. Loving Companion; Ms. Daisy Thompkins. He leaves to treasure his precious memories and carry on his legacy: Children: Daughter Brenda Roberson, Sons: Carey Barnes Jr., Louis Barnes (Jacquelyn), Honorary son Alvin Walker (Sherry). Grandchildren: Special granddaughter and care giver, Bershauna Moore, Anthony Baker (Vernisha), John H. Roberson III, ESQ. (Peregrina), Joey Barnes (Ebonie), Jyra Barnes and Jaquel Barnes Great Grandchildren: Randolph Ashley, Johann Best II, Jamiyah Smith, Josiah Davis, Aniya Baker, Anthony Baker II Anquan Baker, John Roberson IV, Malcolm Roberson, Morgan Barnes and MacKenzie Barnes.Great-Great Grandchildren: Sasha Ashley, Reagan Ashley and Johann Best III.Brother: Walter (Jabo) Barnes, Tallahassee, Fl. Niece: Bettye Belinfantie, Tallahassee, Fl. Nephews: William Barnes (Amy), Tallahassee, Fl. and a host of cousins.Close friends: Janice Williams & Family, Juanita Howard, Rosa Austin, Johnny and Patricia Bartell, Pastor Alvin Wingfield his wife Diane & Family, Melody Johnson & family, Reggie and Rose Brown, Willie Mae Lundy, Charles and Cynthia Henry, and Tonja Cobb and Family.

Visitation
The Chapel of Hope Aikens Funeral Home Chapel
Friday, February 21, 2020
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
2708 E Dr. MLK Jr.
Tampa, Florida 33610

Funeral Service
New Progress MB Church
Saturday, February 22, 2020
11:00 AM
3307 E. Shadowlawn
Tampa, FL 33610