Walter Grinell Barnes

Walt was born Aug. 20, 1934, in Birmingham, AL to Fred and Louise Barnes. He graduated from Ensley High School in 1952, followed by Howard College A.B. (now Samford University) in 1956. Walt coached basketball for 2 years at Samford University, where his 1960-61 team has the best record in school history at 23-1. He changed careers to help support his growing family and spent the next 57 years in the insurance industry. He founded Insurance and Investment Consultants, Inc. in 1972 where he remained the CEO until his death.

Walt’s achievements and awards in life were numerous. Some that he held in high regard include being recognized as Samford University’s 2002 Philanthropist of the Year, 2007 Alumni of the Year, and in 2017, being inducted into the inaugural class of Samford University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a trustee with Birmingham Baptist Medical Centers and a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International.

Walt’s faith in Christ was his highest priority. He served his entire adult life in ministry

and leadership positions at his church he loved dearly, Shades Crest Baptist Church. He was a life Deacon, and spent 38 years, working with the Royal Ambassador Program, where he led many young men to Jesus. Walt had a passion for teaching and mentoring young adults in financial stewardship and how to live faith-first lives.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kay (Forrester), who he married in 1990, with whom he shared dances and adventures all over the world. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Bettye Huey Barnes, his children: Randy and Janice Barnes, Greg Barnes, Rhett and Carol (Barnes) Whitley, Lance and Susan (Barnes) Howerton, Michael and Cris Moebes, and Hud and Mindi Guthrie; his grandchildren: Levi Stecker and Katey Barnes, Chris and Kristen Blom, Ryan and Mandy Lindsey, David Barnes, Clint Whitley, Todd Hyche, Nicolas Balland and Christiana Whitley, Jordan and Katie Howerton, Kyle and Lindsey LeBoeuf, Jay and Mary Henley, Pat Douglas and Rachel Moebes, Sawyer Guthrie, and Charlotte Moebes; 7 great-granddaughters and 2 great-grandsons; and greatly loved nieces and nephews. Over the course of his life, Pop Pop baited more hooks for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren than is possible to count as he doled out wisdom and jokes on Lake Guntersville.

Please join his family Sunday, Nov.14, 2021, at Shades Crest Baptist Church, 452 Park Ave., Bluff Park, AL 35226 for Visitation at 1:30, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shades Crest Baptist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Barnes family.