Mack Barnes, Jr. was the kind of man you called when life got hard, and no matter what you were facing, he showed up fully, without hesitation, and never let you down. He was the voice of wisdom in the room, the steady hand, and if you were lucky enough to be near him, the source of a laugh so full and hearty it could fill an entire house. He gave his advice freely and his love even more so.

Some people move through this world and leave it exactly as they find it. Mack Barnes, Jr. was not that kind of man. He loved deeply, protected fiercely, and took seriously every responsibility that life placed in his hands. He was commanding in his presence and steady in his purpose, the kind of man whose arrival in a room you felt before he ever said a word.

He never met a stranger and effortlessly shared his unique sense of humor with everyone he encountered. Those who were fortunate enough to know him did not simply enjoy his company. They were shaped by it. His work ethic was immeasurable, and his tank never ran empty when it came to providing for the wellbeing of his family and others.

But most important of all, Mack was a man of strong faith who lived his life as a servant of Christ. He gave generously to anyone who needed it and asked for very little in return.

Eighty-seven years. Not one of them wasted.

His daughter Jeanette Kaid said it best: “he was strong as an ox with the heart of a lion.” There is truly no better way to describe the man he was.

He leaves behind his beloved wife LaVerne Barnes, his daughters Jeanette Kaid and Annette LaShon Frank, and his son Michael Barnes who was his rock until the very end. The great loves of Mack’s life were his Lord, his family and living life to the fullest! He will be greatly missed.