Richard "Bud" William Barnes

ROCKY MOUNT – Richard “Bud” William Barnes, age 83, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026.  Born in Northampton County, NC on August 19, 1942, he was the son of the late Gilbert Lee Barnes and Mattie Lewter Bridgers Barnes Eure.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Leo Wingate Barnes.

Bud was a man who deeply enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and the friendships he built along the way. An avid golfer for many years, he and his wife Brenda were longtime members of Birchwood Country Club in Nashville and Scotfield Country Club in Enfield, North Carolina. He also loved spending time fishing whenever he had the chance. Bud treasured his daily routines, especially the time shared with his coffee buddies. Each morning at 7 a.m., he could be found at Hardee’s, and in the afternoons he often gathered with friends at Bojangles for coffee and conversation. These friendships meant a great deal to him, and he thought very highly of the men he met with each day.

Bud was a longtime member of Parkwood Baptist Church, where he and Brenda were part of the church family for many years. Known for his sense of humor, he was a jokester at heart, always ready with a laugh, especially when teasing Brenda. He was a good man who loved his family, valued his friends, and lived a life marked by hard work and dedication. For over 20 years, he worked as a traveling salesman with Davis & Company.  He later spent more than 25 years working at Parks Depot before retiring. Throughout his careers, he had the opportunity to meet many people and form lasting relationships.  Bud also proudly served his country in the United States Army, a service he carried with honor throughout his life.

Bud is survived by his wife of 55 years, Brenda Wilson Barnes and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Bud’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor John Scott officiating.  Entombment will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Bud’s memory to American Cancer Society, PO Box 11796, Charlotte, NC 28220.

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.