Thomas "Chris" Christopher Barnes

THOMAS CHRISTOPHER BARNES

Thomas Christopher Barnes, known to all as Chris, age 56, passed away on December 21,

2025. Born on February 14, 1969, in Marietta, Georgia, Chris lived a life defined by faith,

loyalty, and an unwavering devotion to family.

After graduating from McEachern High School in 1988, Chris was a proud veteran of the United

States Navy, serving from 1990-1994 aboard the USS Jesse L. Brown and the USS Deyo.

During his service, he earned multiple honors and awards, including Letters of Commendation

from the US Navy for actions above and beyond the call of duty during both Class C and Class

B fires. He also received Good Conduct and Unit Excellence awards, distinctions that reflected

his courage, discipline, and reliability under pressure.

Following his military service, Chris continued a life of service as a firefighter and EMT. He

worked with Paulding County Fire from 2005 until he became disabled in 2022, and had

previously served as a volunteer firefighter in Charleston, South Carolina.

Though he served his country at sea, Chris found peace in the mountains whenever he had the

opportunity to go. He deeply loved his church, regarded Sunday as his favorite day of the

week, and felt a calling to preach. He had a great passion for restoring classic cars-especially

his beloved 1971 Ford Bronco-and dearly loved his pets, who were his constant companions.

Above all else, family mattered most to Chris. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a

present and proud grandfather, and what all the nieces and nephews considered “the best

uncle”. Chris showed his love through consistency, through showing up, and through quiet

acts of service.

Chris is survived by his wife, Julie Barnes; his children, Austin Lane and Jordan Whitlock; and

his grandchildren, Christian, Dallas, Asher, and Addy. He is also survived by his father, Howard

Barnes; his siblings David Barnes, James Canning, and Cherie Lawley, as well as many nieces,

nephews, aunts, cousins, and stepsisters who will carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Turner, stepfather, Michael Turner, and

brother, John Canning.

Chris will be remembered as being faithful, self-sacrificing, and as a man whose life was

defined by service and love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the lives he

touched and protected through his strength, courage, and devotion.

The family will host a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. Services

will be held at West Georgia Baptist Church, 1554 Liberty Church Rd. Bremen, Ga, 30110. At

the conclusion of services, Paulding Fire Honor Guard will guide honors for Chris’s service with

the fire department.