John Oris Barnes

John Oris Barnes, age 95, passed away on August, 7th, 2024. He was born on February 6th, 1929 to the late Hillard and Ardella Rogers Barnes.

John grew up in the Skeenah Gap area of Union County, where he spent his days working the family farm.

He also took joy in simple pleasures, with a love for southern gospel music. His soul was uplifted by the melodies and messages of this genre, a source of comfort and inspiration to him. One particular song, "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by Vince Gill, was one of his favorites. His love for the music was only rivaled by his pride in being a 5th generation descendant of frontiersman Daniel Boone, a connection to history that he cherished dearly.

Mr Barnes worked at many jobs including plumbing and electric, backhoe operator, maintenance at Arbor Acres Hatchery, and shovel operator at Dixie Lime and stone in Tyrone Ga.

John is preceded in death by his parents Hillard and Ardella Rogers Barnes; wife Betty Stephens Barnes in 1999; a great-grandson Jacob Patterson in 2015; a son-in-law Caroll Dotson in 2021; a great-great-granddaughter Carrie Jane Scivally in 2024; brothers Loman Barnes, Ralph Barnes, Doris Barnes, Marvin Barnes, and Horace Barnes; sisters Vandora Ross, Lattie Legg, Margaret Payne, Mae Green and Adalue Tabor. 

He is survived by his children Ted and Opal Barnes, Elaine Dotson, and Lavita and Rev. Mike Totherow, all of Blairsville, GA; grandchildren Cheston Barnes, Bret Barnes, Brandon Dotson, Carl Dotson, Amanda Dillard, and Jenny Rhodes; great-grandchildren Tyler McCoy, Caleb McCoy, Khloe Ledbetter, Whitney Scivally, Marlie Rhodes, Mikie Whittemore, Izaiah Dotson, Ava and Barrett Barnes; great-great-grandchildren Aspen Dotson, Oaklyn Whittemore, and Easton McCoy.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Cochran|McDaniel Funeral Home of Blairsville with Gary Rogers officiating and special music provided by Khloe Ledbetter.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers Carl Dotson, Cheston Barnes, Bret Barnes, Mikie Whittemore, Jenny Rhodes, and Ronnie Coker. The following gentlemen will serve as Honorary Pallbearers J.D. Holloway, Tyler McCoy, Brandon Dotson, David Chatham and Dave Murray.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Cochran|McDaniel Funeral Home of Blairsville.

Interment will follow at Union Memory Gardens.

Flowers are accepted-if you wish to donate, please make donations toward St. Judes Children Hospital.