Martin Edward Barnes

Martin passed away suddenly on August 4, 2019 of natural causes. He was the only son of parents, John and Frieda Barnes and is survived by his sister, Lois Barnes Koenig.

Although Martin was born up North, he ended up spending the majority of his life in North Carolina. He graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 1971 and then attended Central Piedmont Community College for a few years.

Following college, Martin worked for an electrical supply company and after that a floral supply business, but then found a home with the ABC Board as a sales associate. Martin worked at many stores throughout Charlotte during his 32 year career, but the last few years he worked mostly at the Park Road and Morrocroft stores. People at ABC headquarters indicated Martin was well known and well liked.

Although friends would characterize Martin as having a unique personality, they also said he was likeable, loveable, dependable and always there to help.

Martin joined the Tyvola Senior Center and attended two or three times a week for a number of years. He had many friends there and they related his routine would be to greet everyone, sit down behind reception to read the paper and chat with staff, workout, socialize a little more then head home. He loved to dance, particularly shagging, and taught fellow members the steps on occasion.

Martin was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church since childhood. In recent years, he was a “Greeter” before church services and faithfully volunteered at the church office to help them with administrative tasks.

Martin had many interests, including car and truck discussions with his buddies, collecting old radios, and watching classic TV shows and movies. He recently acquired the Sea Hunt series after a member at the Senior Center told him it was now available. He enjoyed reading the Charlotte Observer and Wall Street Journal every day, but his greatest interest was reading, learning and watching movies about WWII.

People were saddened by the loss of someone that enjoyed assisting others, brightening a person’s day by stopping by to say “hello”, and he will be sorely missed by many.

The service to honor his life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 10, 2019 in the chapel of Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte, with the Reverend Timothy McKenzie of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where Martin was a member, officiating. Friends will be greeted following the service. Interment in the family plot at Sharon Memorial Park will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.