Joseph Kelly Barnes

Joseph Kelly Barnes, Jr., 84, died Wednesday, June 15, 2011. He was born in Wilson, North Carolina on December 6, 1926 to Joseph Kelly Barnes, Sr. and Harriette Amerson Barnes. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Osmon and Thaney Bell Barnes; his brother-in-law Bennett Barnes; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bertha Barnes Wheeless and Billy Wheeless. He graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High in 1945. He met his future wife, Betty Jean Barnes, in 1946, and they married on June 18, 1948. "Mr. Kelly," as he was affectionately known by his customers, owned and operated Kelly's Cleaners for more than 50 years before retiring in 2004. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served faithfully for many years as an usher, a greeter, and Church Council member. He belonged to several area coffee clubs, and was a proud member of the Elks Club. Kelly cared deeply for his customers, his church family, and his many friends throughout the community. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean; four daughters and sons-in-law-Bett Barnes Jackson and her husband Kit, Rocky Mount; Melissa Barnes Barker and her husband John, Rocky Mount; Amy Barnes McCotter and her husband Pat, Vandemere; Mary Barnes Zahran and her husband Sam, Fayetteville; one son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Tina Barnes, Rocky Mount. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was known as KK. He leaves behind ten grandchildren- Joey, Clay, Adam, Anne, Emily, Taylor, Kathleen, Amy, Kelly, and Jon- and four great-grandchildren-Ian, Haylee, Mason and Barnes. He is also survived by four nephews. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 18, from 5-7 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount and other times at the home of Melissa and John Barker. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 19, at 3:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount with Reverend Johnny Branch officiating. Memorial donations can be made to Meals on Wheels Meal Assistance Program, 1501 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or to the Nash County Chapter of the Autism Society of North Carolina, 4892 Bend of the River Road, Elm City, NC 27822. The family wishes to thank Dr. Camilla Proctor and her staff for their devoted care of Kelly during his illness. Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 is in charge of the arrangements. You may share your memories and condolences with the Hicks family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Saturday 6/18, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Service Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Sunday 6/19, 3:00 pm Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801