Capron, VA -  Paul Crawford Barnes entered this world on June 16, 1932 and went on to his eternal life on December 25, 2025. Growing up with 7 brothers in the rural agricultural area of Southampton County, VA cultivated a love of growing things, hunting the abundant woodlands and fishing the rivers, creeks and the areas salt waters.

He was an area farmer for almost 70 years, besides absolutely weed free fields, he raised livestock and planted huge gardens for his family to till and harvest. His reputation was legendary for his pork BBQ and chicken muddles, as well as his use of the game and fish he always brought home. His smoke house still emanates wonderful smoked smells. After his wife passed away, he took over making holiday fruitcakes for his family and friends. The side of him that many were unaware is how much he did to assist people in our community who "were the least of these" – he believed in giving generously and privately. He grew up in both Antioch Baptist Church and Joyner Methodist Church. He actively participated in the Joyner United Methodist Men's group. He was also a charter and very active member of the Joyner Gray Yale Ruritan Club,  and he played a lead role in all their cooking events. He was involved in several area hunt clubs and loved going to our place on the James in Surry County during the warmer months. Paul lived a long, full life as the captain of his ship.

Paul was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Gladys Jarratt Barnes and his son, Mike Barnes, his son-in-laws Johnny Kanusek, Brian Keith Rountree and great granddaughter, Sutton Seal. He was also predeceased by six of his brothers (Edward, Waverly, Floyd, "Tennie", Sam and Shelton). He is survived by his brother, Lonnie Barnes. He is also survived by his three daughters Pauline Elliott, Patsy Kanusek and Donna Rountree as well as son-in-law David Elliott. He greatly loved his future generations - granddaughters Jennifer Johnson (Richard), Becky Mobley (Brian), Tricia Worley (Forest), Emily Rountree and Erin Seal (Cameron) great grandchildren - Megan Burke, Brandon, Andrew and Brooke Mobley, and Laura Beth Worley and great great grandchild - Waylon Bryant.

Thanks to all, who as Paul became less mobile and able to be out in the community, came to him. He loved seeing all of you.  We invite you to attend his celebration of life at Joyner Church, 18084 Clubhouse Rd., Capron, VA 23829, at 2 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. A reception to share memories will follow in the church fellowship hall. His burial will be held privately at Readville Cemetery in Sussex Court House. We ask that any memorial gifts be directed to either Joyner Church, c/o Kathy Everett, 18697 Three Creeks Rd., Capron, VA 23829 or Antioch Baptist Church, c/o Jimmy Dunn, 15367 Courthouse Rd., Stony Creek, VA 23882. They were both special places to him. We will ask that these gifts be used to serve those in the rural community that he loved so well.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org