George Thurman Barnes, age 90 of Cross Plains went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Stone Creek Memory Care in Hendersonville. He was born August 27, 1935 in Fudgearound, TN to John Thurman and Mattie Flossie Elizabeth Gilley Barnes.
He was employed with Bailey’s Body Shop as an auto body repairman in his earlier years. Later in life, he developed a passion for woodworking and built many pieces of furniture for his family and friends. He loved to garden and was especially proud of his tomatoes.
He was an excellent athlete who played and coached in the Nashville Adult Baseball league in the 1960s as well as several softball teams throughout his adulthood. He loved all sports, but especially was a fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Vanderbilt Commodores. He never met a stranger and loved to joke around with everyone he met.
He was a member of Beacon Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 ½ years Lillian Evelyn Spry Barnes; his parents; brothers Beauman Barnes, WC Barnes, Richard Barnes and Freddie Barnes; sisters Norene West and Juanita Barnes.
He is survived by his children, Mike (Deena) Barnes of Cross Plains, Lisa (Ricky) Morris of White House, Randy (Keri) Barnes of Greenbrier and Crystal (Chuck) O’Brien of Greenbrier; brother Larry (Anjie) Barnes of Manchester; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service is scheduled for 11am Monday, January 12, 2026 at Woodlawn Memorial Park with grandsons serving as pallbearers. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026 3pm-8pm at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to Alzheimer’s Association.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL
533 Highway 76
White House, TN 37188
(615)672-5000
www.austinandbell.com
This obituary was published by Austin & Bell Funeral Home.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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