Willard Ray Barnes

Willard Ray Barnes, 91, of Asheville, died on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

A native of Madison Co., Willard was a son of the late Homer and Helen Revis Barnes. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Cumi Edmonds Barnes; sisters, Sandra Boyd, Mary Ogle, Shirley Surrett, Barbara Bishop and Nina Barnes; and brothers, Howard, Everette, and Homer Barnes, Jr.

Mr. Barnes proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He later spent many years working in the logging industry.

He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Barnes Cole (David); son, Bobby Barnes; grandchildren, Tonya Barnes, Jeremy Barnes, and Gwen Cole; great-granddaughter, Remmi Hollifield; sisters, Betty Holt (Jimmy) and Kathy Ollis (Randy); and brother, Charles Barnes (Janice).

His family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. The funeral service will be held the following day at 1:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. The Rev. Perry Burke will officiate. Burial will then take place at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.