William Alan Barnes peacefully went to be with his Savior while he slept early Sunday morning at his home. Alan was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama and graduated from Huntsville High School in 1979. After graduating from Auburn University in 1983, Alan moved to Dallas, Texas where he later met the love of his life, Ginny Walker. They were married in 1987 and had three beautiful daughters.
Alan had three major passions: running, family and Jesus Christ. In the late 1990’s, Alan’s love for the outdoors led to the discovery of one of his passions, running. He traveled the country completing dozens of half marathons, marathons, and ultramarathons, as well as Ironman triathlons. His unflinching love and unashamed dedication to his Savior overflowed from his heart and propelled his passion for serving others. That love moved him to establish the Jackson chapter of Medals4Mettle charity in which Alan (and others) presented medals from their completed races and triathlons to local patients who were battling cancer, chronic illness and other life challenges to award the mettle and courage those patients were demonstrating.
However, Alan’s enthusiasm for running paled in comparison to his unconditional love for his family. Alan’s four “girls” were his greatest treasures and he reflected Christ’s love to them daily. He unselfishly provided for his family and ministered to them through acts of service. Alan’s legacy of wit, humor, and faithfulness continues through his children and four beloved grandchildren. He cherished them all and invested in their lives, fully understanding what precious heirlooms they are.
Alan’s selflessness was further evidenced by his passionate service as a deacon and as a member of the choir at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. In 2010, he was honored to serve as chairman of the deacons at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison. Alan lived according to Matthew 22. He loved the Lord and loved his fellow man. His quiet strength and unending devotion truly made him worthy of emulation by anyone desiring to serve our God.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Dorothy Barnes. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ginny Walker Barnes; his daughters, Brett Lindsay Smith (Josh); Logan Barnes Barlow (Beck); Riley Barnes Jordan (Trevor); his sisters Lee Barnes Atherton (Robert) and Carol Barnes Cox (Randy) and his four grandchildren Beau Barlow, Emma Barlow, Ellie Smith and Alaina Smith.
Visitation will be from 4:30pm to 6:30pm Thursday, November 12th, at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland. The funeral service will be at 11:00am Friday, November 13th at Pinelake Church in Madison.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to -Hope House of Hospitality (monetary donations can be made to hopehouseofhospitality1985.org)-Camp Rainbow (checks can be made out to Camp Rainbow and mailed to Children’s Cancer Center Attn: Gina Beasley/Camp Rainbow 2500 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216) -Medal4Mettle (If you have completed a half marathon, marathon or triathlon and wish to donate your medal in honor of Alan, you can donate medals via medals4mettle.org or locally at Fleet Feet Jackson)
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