Johnny joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1960 after he finished school. He served for almost 20 years, and fought in the Vietnam War during that time.
When Johnny got out of the Service, he went to work for Export Tobacco Company until his retirement.
Johnny is survived by his daughter Stephanie Elsey (Larry Strickland); a son and Danny Byrd; his brother Joseph “Snapper” Barnes (Annette), and his sister Edna Proctor (Sennis). Johnny also leaves behind his grandchildren Magen Elsey, Brianny Gillis, Katie Sanchez, Stephen Elsey, Shawna Loveall, Melissa Scribner, and Joanna Byrd; and his great-grandchildren Bradley Gillis, Jeremy Elsey, Madison Loveall, Sophia Wilson, Lillian Byrd, and Jonah Mayfield
He is preceded in death by his parents Alonzo and Mary Olivia Barnes; his life partner Katherine Joan McLaughlin; his son Chris Elsey; his brothers William Barnes, Billy Barnes, James Barnes, and Bobby Barnes; and his sisters Helen Barnes, Mildred May, Dorothy Thorne, and Katye Godwin.
There will be a visitation for Johnny on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 5-7 PM at Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home in Wilson, NC. The service will be Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM, graveside at Black Creek Cemetery, 5547 Woodbridge Rd, Wilson, NC 27893.
Those that wish may meet at the funeral home to proceed to the cemetery in procession.
Services entrusted to Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home, Wilson, NC.
