Thomas "Tommy" E. Barnes

Mr. Thomas E. “Tommy” Barnes, 82, of Ellaville passed away on June 4, 2022.  Graveside services will be private, with a Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Powell Place, 2141 Ebenezer Road, Ellaville.  The family invites family and friends to come out and listen to some stories and fellowship.  Any of Tommy’s “track kids” are especially invited to come out. 

Mr. Barnes was born February 23, 1940 to Samuel Thomas “S.T.” Barnes and Buena Hagin Barnes in Ellaville, GA.  He was a Page, Squire & Knight of the Royal Ambassadors at Ellaville Baptist Church. Tommy graduated from Ellaville High School and attended Auburn University where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha International fraternity.  Tommy served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant with top secret clearance from 1962-1965. He was an avid athlete, and a dedicated community coach and mentor who was devoted to supporting young athletes throughout Ellaville, Schley County and surrounding communities for decades.  Tommy himself, ran the Boston Marathon and directed the Ellaville Road Race for years.  He found real success in real estate and was extremely active in the community throughout his life, serving on multiple boards with an eye on progress and industry for the city.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 191 in Ellaville. 

Tommy was known for having an incredible memory and for telling stories.  He loved to talk, never met a stranger, was a fierce competitor who hated to lose, was a great dancer and the life of any party.  He loved to debate and was bullish on anything he felt was right.  Tommy had a quick wit, great sense of humor and may be best known for his wonderful and mischievous smile. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Bolden.

Tommy is survived by his two sons, Britton Hagin Barnes and William “Bo” Heidt Barnes, who reside in central Florida; grandchildren, Baylee, Kayla, Brandon, Mason, Lauren, and Chance; and great-grandchildren, Kayson and McKenna; also surviving are his wonderful nieces and nephews and their beautiful children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Thomas E. Barnes Memorial Fund for Youth Track and Field programs at Ameris Bank in Ellaville, c/o Jennifer Jackson, 229-937-1131.