Franklin Barnes

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Franklin Barnes, 70, of Eutawville, South Carolina, who transitioned on Saturday, November 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. The family will be receiving friends and family at the residence from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM daily. Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and guidelines when visiting the family and funeral home. 

Franklin Barnes Life Reflections

Franklin Barnes, transitioned from this earthly life to an eternal life on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Pruitt Health, Walterboro, SC. Today with his family and friends we come to celebrate his new life with his heavenly Father. We rejoice in the life God gave him and know that his spirit will always be with us. Born on January 20, 1954, Franklin was the eldest child of the late Dea. Willie Barnes and Lula White Barnes.

At the age of 12, Franklin accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, baptized and became a member of St James Missionary Baptist Church in Eutawville, SC. He was active in the church where he served as an Assistant Sunday School teacher, Assistant Church Clerk, and Secretary of the Male Chorus which he was a member.

Franklin was a proud 1972 graduate of Roberts High School in Holly Hill, SC. He wore his purple and gold tiger jacket with pride and would never let anyone talk bad or negative about his alma mater. Franklin was known for his sense of humor and making people laugh, wherever he went. After graduating he went to work at Holly Hill Lumber Company, Holly Hill, SC where he met his first love, his 1972 Pontiac Firebird. He also attended Orangeburg County Tech briefly.

While working at the lumber company Franklin often rode with his uncle Willie Frank in his big rig. This is where the love of driving an 18-Wheeler started. He received his CDL license from Orangeburg Calhoun technical school in 1978. He was employed by the following trucking companies: Westbury Trucking Company Cross SC: 3L Trucking North Charleston SC Halls Trucking Cross, South Carolina and Food Lion corporation Elloree, South Carolina. After driving for over 40 years, Franklin and his wife made the tough decision to retire due to health reasons in 2018.

Franklin was a member of the following organizations: Briner Lodge #365 Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons Holly Hill, where he served a Worshipful Master; BEJ Holy Royal Arch Masons, where he served as secretary; Robert Shaw Wilkinson Consistory, Orangeburg; Jeddah Temple#160 Oasis of Orangeburg and Al-Aziz Temple #120 Oasis of Cross, SC.

In 1974, Franklin was introduced to the 2nd love of his life Myra Martino, and they were later married April 23, 1977. To this union two sons were born Franklyn Antoine and Jarrod DeMille Barnes. Throughout their marriage Franklin and Myra did many things together including supporting their sons in playing football and basketball. Though his truck driving job often took him away from home Franklin always made it a priority to create quality time with his loved ones. He understood the importance of being present and ensured that the time spent together was filled with love, laughter and unforgettable memories. His legacy will live on in the sportsmanship he encouraged in his sons and the love he instilled with his wife and family. We remember him not just for the roles he played in our lives but for the incredible person he was. His health caused his voice to be silent for many years and now it is forever hushed. As we gather to honor him let us carry forward his spirit of love and dedication. We celebrate you, Franklin. Thank you for being a guiding light in our lives. You will be deeply missed.

Franklin leaves to cherish his fond and loving memories, his wife, Myra Martino Barnes of the home; two sons: Franklyn Antoine Barnes of Summerville, SC and Jarrod (Elizabeth) Barnes of Galloway, NJ; seven grandchildren; Jordyn, Izaiah, Jarrod II, Khalil, Lyric, Jenna and Jaxon; his mother, Lula Barnes of Eutawville: siblings; Cynthia (Charles) White, of Eutawville; Douglas Barnes of Orangeburg; Christopher (Bernice) of Vance; Gwendolyn (Moses) of Orangeburg; adopted sister, Rudean (Stanley) Dash of Eutawville; aunts: Estell Haney of Holly Hill; Kenneth (Carol) White of White Plains, NY, Vernell (Johnny) Smalls of Holly Hill, and Betty White of Harleyville. In-laws: Jacqueline Martino-Miller of York, PA; Cheryl (Christopher) Milford, Vance; Rev. Dr. Ralph (Von Drenna) Martino) of Lanham, MD; Michael (Nicole) Martino of Huntersville, NC; Terrence (Pamela) Martino of Concord, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Franklin was a diehard Washington Redskins fan, so we honor him and thank you for wearing your burgundy and gold today God bless you and keep each one of you.

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS...!!!

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