ROCKY MOUNT - Carson Baker Barnes, age 82, passed away at his home on Saturday, August 19, 2017. Born in Nash County, NC on May 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Frank and Ella Baker Barnes. He was also preceded in death by one grandson, Michael Robert Saindon.
Carson was a remarkable man known for his great enthusiasm, innovation, and drive. In the early 1960s, Carson began what would be a lifelong career in farming, purchasing a used tractor and growing eight acres of tobacco and three-eighths of an acre of sweet potatoes. Nine years later, he produced over 800 acres of sweet potatoes and 200 acres of tobacco. With much hard work and endurance from Carson, his first wife, Maxine, and his son, Johnny Barnes, Barnes Farming and Farm Pak Products grew to be one of the largest sweet potato operations in the nation, now managing more than 14,000 acres of farmland.
In 1996, Carson married Romelda Karrs, and the couple enjoyed many years of happiness. Romelda was Carsons loving companion and during his later years of declining health, she was his devoted caregiver.
Carson leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife, Romelda Barnes of the home; his brother, Braxton Barnes of Murrells Inlet, SC; three children, Debra Barnes of San Antonio, Texas; Laurie Chancy and husband, Henry, of Newton Grove; Johnny Barnes and wife, Lisa, of Spring Hope; and their mother, Maxine Whitley, of Rocky Mount. He is also survived by his step-children, Daphne Karrs Delany and husband, Tim; Lt. Colonel Nathanael Karrs (Cha Chi) and wife, Amanda; Connie S. Francis, and Jose Alberto (PePe) Calderon. Carson is further survived by eight grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Carsons Life will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services. Burial will follow at Barnes Family Cemetery, 7840 Old Bailey Highway, Spring Hope. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 and other times at the home.
The family would like to extend their heart-felt appreciation to caregivers, Lisa “Darling” Bobbitt, Kasha “Sweet Heart” Collins, and Whitney “Princess” Williams; and to Dr. Daniel Crocker and his staff and the doctors and staff at Wake Med and Duke Hospital.
Memorials may be made to two organizations close to Carsons heart: Free Union Baptist Church at 4151 Macedonia Rd, Spring Hope, NC 27882 or FWB Childrens Home, PO Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Thursday 8/24, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 8/25, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of Carson Baker Barnes
Lit a candle in memory of Carson Baker Barnes
so sorry to the family of carson . our thoughts and prayers are with you all . judy Sherrod and david griffin.
So sorry for your loss. I have really enjoyed visiting with him at church the last few months. Always had a smile. Prayers lifted for all of you during this time. Cindy Morgan -Pace
May God give the family the peace and comfort that they need at this time,.
Lit a candle in memory of Carson Baker Barnes
Lit a candle in memory of Carson Baker Barnes
Johnny, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad has a sweet man and will be missed. When every i saw him he would always talk about you and your family and always asked about my mom and dad. He was very proud of you all. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayer.
Lit a candle in memory of Carson Baker Barnes
Lit a candle in memory of Carson Baker Barnes
Lit a candle in memory of Carson Baker Barnes
The Dan and Lib Johnson family always loved Carson and all the concern he expressed for our extended family. My father was Carson’s first cousin on the Baker side and was regularly visited by Carson, even in recent weeks. There are not many of the older family members left to reminisce with, and Carson loved doing that. Condolences to the family during this time. Walt Johnson
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
Our prayers are with you during this time…..he will be missed but leaves a strong legacy ! Victor and Melba Lamm
With heartfelt sympathy to Carson’s family. My prayers are with you during this time. Love, Travis
Carson Barnes gave a new photographer a chance. I was honored and felt privileged to work for him and the entire family. When he built what his second building, circa 1976 or 1977, he called me to take photograph of it, but he wanted it from a high angle. He had someone procure a very long ladder for me to climb to the roof of his first building to get the perspective he wanted. I’ll never forget thinking as each step went higher and higher, and how it was taking me longer to to go from one step to the next. I can hang out the door of an airplane, but shake like a leaf on the roof of my house. I recall saying to myself, Well, this is how you’re going to make a living and this is what the man wants. I was thrilled to overcome anxiety and get the job done, what became many years of photography for the business and family. Carson Barnes was a visionary. I also remember his efforts to design and build a sweet potato harvester. My funniest recollection was being invited to lunch in Spring Hope during a job. He told everyone to order a baked sweet potato whether they liked them or not. He said, It’s good for business. I ordered a baked sweet potato, and have learned to really like them with seafood, garnished with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. I am and will remain thankful for the opportunity I had to work for the Carson Barnes family. Benjamin E. Casey [emailprotected] bencaseyphotos.com 372 Hardison Drive Arapahoe, NC 28510