Carl Earl Barnes

Carl Earl Barnes, Sr. was born in Woodward, Alabama to the late Willie Barnes and Willie Mae (Russell) Pippen on April 4, 1930.

Carl accepted Christ at an early age and he joined First Baptist Church Woodward. For many years, he was a faithful Choir member and served as President of the Senior Choir as well as a Church Trustee.

He was well known throughout the surrounding communities of Brighton, Bessemer, and Birmingham for his gifted singing in quartets, as well as for his leadership as a director of youth singers and male choruses. Through these roles, he influenced, mentored, and trained countless voices in harmony.

He attended Woodward Elementary School and later graduated from Brighton High School, Class of 1948. Following his education, he was employed by the Woodward Iron Company for 45 years until the company ceased operations. He then continued his career with Jim Walter Mines, where he worked for an additional 10 years before retiring in 1995.

Carl was united in holy matrimony with Iola on August 19, 1949. Their loving union was blessed with five daughters and one son, and together they celebrated 68 years of marriage in 2017.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Iola, in September 2017, a daughter, Teresa Barnes, in October 2012 and two siblings, Willie Barnes in November 2017 and Dorothy Mae Harris in February 2025.

Carl departed this life on December 21, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Cherishing his precious memories are his children, Carlene (Adolphus) Moody, Victoria (Michael, Sr.) Pollard, Shirley J. Barnes, Cassandra M. Barnes and Carl E. Barnes, Jr.; Goddaughter, Fannie B.; special niece, Crystal Sherman (Elmer); five nephews, Gerald, Roderick, Derrick, Carlos and Edward; 14 grandchildren, Marcus (Onesha), Michael Jr. (Brandy), Stephen (LaShawndra), Maurice (Alisha), Brandon, Charles, Justice, Julian and Jason; special grandson, Sandor; granddaughters, Angela, Stephanie, Yvonne, Aisha and Journee; 34 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Carrie Hill; special cousins, Norma and Gwen; special Classmates of Class of 1948, Christine Fowkles and Jean Heavens; special goddaughters, The Heavens Girls and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord.