Mr. William Lee Barnes

William Lee Barnes of Orange Beach, Alabama, passed away August 17, 2024. He was born December 11, 1926, in Cottondale, Florida to Essie Irene and Oscar Lewis Barnes. William Lee Barnes had a long and distinguished military career entering the Navy at the age of 17. He retired as a Master Chief after serving for 22 years. He was aboard the USS Bunker Hill during the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima during World War II and was on the USS Charles Sperry when it was attacked in the Korean War. He was an instructor and inspector for the Northeast Field Food Service Team during the Vietnam War, serving on numerous vessels. He was a food service director for Morrison's Custom Management for 22 years prior to retiring to Orange Beach, AL where he was very active in the community. He served as an usher at St Thomas's by the Sea for over 30 years. He was active in leadership of the Orange Beach Community Center, the Dixie Ramblers RC Club of Alabama, the USS Charles S. Perry DD697 Association and the Knights of Columbus. He was a pioneer resident of Orange Beach since 1974 and the well-known owner of Sunset Mobile Home Park. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dorothymae Taylor Barnes. He is survived by his children Ronald Lee (Susan) Barnes, Beverly Barnes Rayfield, Jan Barnes (Dwight) Howard, Sharon Barnes (Chris) Rhodes, and Richard William (Therese) Barnes; grandchildren Michael (Kristi) Barnes, Stephen (Elizabeth) Barnes, Ryan (Cortney) Robinson, Brad (Ami) Robinson, Jamison (Stephanie) Rayfield, William Young, Richard (Destin) Barnes, Jr., Thomas Barnes, and Ethan Barnes; great-grandchildren Ashlea (Gray) MacGregor, Haley Robinson, Skyler Robinson, Kale Robinson, Jackson Barnes, Taylor Robinson, Brooklyn Barnes, Madelyn Salac, Richard Barnes, III, and Anthony Barnes; great-great-grandchildren Easton MacGregor and Mason MacGregor.; sisters Alice Mae Barnes Mobley and Delorias Jean Barnes Ingram as well as a large extended family of nephews, niece and their families. Services will be Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Thomas By the Sea, with visitation from 1:00PM - 2:00 PM and the Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Pine Rest Memorial Park in Foley. Donations in his memory can be made to St. Thomas By the Sea or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mr. William Lee Barnes

December 11, 1926 - August 17, 2024