Mr. John "Johnny" Thomas Barnes, age 80, of Dahlonega, passed away from a sudden illness on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Mr. Barnes was born in Gainesville on January 8, 1943, to the late Joseph and Sylvia White Barnes. He served as Deputy of Lumpkin County for many years (serving under sheriffs Kenneth Seabolt, Jimmy Berry and Randy Pruitt). He retired from UNG as Campus Police in 2005. Mr. Barnes was a proud Veteran who served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam. He was a member of Blue Mountain Lodge No 38 and was Past Master in 1990. Mr. Barnes was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Henrietta Duff Barnes, Murrayville; daughter and son-in-law Dianne and Jackie Ray, Gainesville; grandchildren Kevin and Jennifer Ray, Kyle Ray, Kelli Ray; great-grandchildren Landin, Sawyer and Weston Ray, Grayson Ray; brothers in law George (Maebelle) Duff, Clayton (Reba) Duff; sister-in-law Sue (Ron) Stuart, and numerous other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Sunday, February 26, 2023, at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate. Interment will follow in Dahlonega Memorial Park with Military honors and Masonic Rites by Blue Mountain Lodge No 38. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family request that you make contributions to a charity of your choice in Mr. Barnes memory.

To share a memory or a condolence with the family visit Mr. Barnes' online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North Dahlonega, GA 30533