Retired SMSgt Albert Kellam Barnes, USAF, 80, passed away Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, reuniting with his wife of 60 years, Carol Darlene Barnes, on the eve of her birthday.
Born Jan. 15, 1943, in Crisfield, he was the son of the late Stephen Randall Barnes and the late Doris Elizabeth Kellam Barnes. Soon after his 18th birthday, Al enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he immersed himself in the meteorology sector and later attained his degree.
In 1981 Al retired from the military, and the Barnes family made their final move to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Over the next 15 years, he shared his knowledge and expertise in meteorology with NASA Wallops, retiring in 1995. With his newfound free time, Al enjoyed an afternoon (or two) fishing and crabbing and many hours gardening. He grew an abundance of produce each year, all of which he graciously shared with family, friends, and passersby. Al was a true gentleman and a man of his word who proudly dedicated his life to serving others.
He leaves to celebrate his legacy his children, Careen Watson and her husband, Larry, of Pocomoke City, and Alan Barnes and his wife, Beth, of Salisbury; sister, Mildred Barnes of Chesterfield, Va.; brothers, Richard Barnes and his wife, Donna Rae, of Gargatha, and Dwight Barnes, and his wife and Al’s caregiver, April, of Parksley; brother-in-law, Bobby Judd of Pocomoke City; grandson, Zachary Barnes; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Al was predeceased by his sister, Betty Judd, and brothers, John and Steve Barnes.
Funeral services with military honors were conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, at 11 a.m., with Mr. George Fulk officiating. Private interment was held at the Liberty Cemetery.
Contributions in Al’s memory may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418 www.shorespca.com
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
