Willard Vaden Barnes, Sr., 82, of 803 Wedgewood Avenue, Zebulon, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016. He was born March 26, 1934 in Johnston County to the late Dewey Barnes and Vera Hocutt Whitaker Barnes. He retired as the Director for the State Board of Opticians. Willard was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and took very good care of his wife, Sarah. He was a member of Five Points Community Church where he served on various committees. His church and his family and friends will dearly miss his presence.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 3, 2016 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, 27545 with Pastor Terry Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 809 W. Gannon Avenue, Zebulon, 27597.

The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:45 pm at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Surviving: wife, Sarah Johnson Barnes; son, Willard “Bill” Vaden Barnes, Jr. (Susan) of Youngsville; grandchildren: Rebekah B. McCall of Zebulon, Jeremy V. Barnes (Julie) of Alabama, Daniel C. Barnes of Southport; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers: Grady Barnes (Shirley) of Wilmington, Wallace Barnes (Carol) of Middlesex, Harold Barnes (Frances) of Rolesville; sisters: Melvalene B. Davis (Jarvis) of Middlesex, Carolyn B. Poole (Clyde) of Garner.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Hilda B. White.

Willard had requested that flowers be omitted and contributions be made to Five Points Community Church, 1533 Old U.S. 264, Zebulon, NC 27597.

 Service Information