He married Linda Rose Hayes on December 22, 1967. They spent 48 years together sharing their joy and love of Jesus and gospel music with all who would listen.
Ralph was with Burlington Mills for 38 years and Leisure Lodge for 5 years. Each job brought him new friends. Ralph and Rose took into their hearts and home the beautiful Barbara Jean Barnes and then proceeded to bring up half the children of Drew County, Allen, Walter, Cynthia, Madison, Alisa, Chelsea and John to name only a few.
Ralph enjoyed many things, but fishing was his passion. He would fish from sun up to sun down, and even slipped in a few night fishing trips. When his health began to fail he took up woodworking. He could often be found working on a birdhouse or swing and sometimes a clock. He loved gadgets. Ralph would sit and play with a new gadget for hours and then try to build one.
Ralph would not want tears today. He would say "Go on, cry it out, then go fishing or build something. But most of all live. Remember me with a smile and know that I walk the streets of heaven with Jesus." He would ask, "Are you ready? You came to say goodbye today, but it need not be goodbye. If you walk in the Lords way I know we will see each other again in our heavenly home."
Ralph will be greeted in heaven by his parents, Wesley Barnes and Lillie Bell Bostian Barnes Wingier; three brothers, James Barnes, William (Dick) Barnes, and Aubrey Barnes; three sisters, Beatrice Towler, Rachel Martin and Mary Loveless and four nephews Larry Barnes, Mikey Huff, Bobby Barnes, and Harold Barnes.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Rose Barnes; one daughter, Barbara Jean Barnes both from Monticello; one brother, Robert Barnes and wife Rosie of McGehee; six nephews, seven nieces and many great and great-great nephews and nieces.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with interment in Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday night at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(8)
edith pipes
warren, AR Saturday, April 25, 2015 rose and barb wamt to tell u that i am thinking about you i know what u are going through with i know he will be missed. ralph was a good guy he had a big heatrt and he will be missed i will be praying fpr you all take care eddithRev Bill & Louise Corley
White Hall, AR Friday, April 24, 2015 Love and prayers.Myla Sivils
Monticello, AR Friday, April 24, 2015 I am sorry for your loss.. Mr. Ralph was a good man and I am glad to. Have had the pleasure of knowing him and call him my friend. Mama Rose and Barbara, If you need anything let me know.. Sending prayers and loveJamie, Alisa,and Faith Madison Trantham
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 23, 2015 You were truly one of a kind! You had a heart of gold with a smile always on your face! Thank you Uncle Ralph and Moma Rose for always being there for us! This is not goodbye, it is see you later in Heaven! We love you! Fly high angel!MARY DOGGETT
Warren, AR Thursday, April 23, 2015 Our prayers are with you and the family. We love you all Aunt Rose.SUSIE CHADWICK
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, April 23, 2015 TO ALL THE FAMILY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU. MAY GOD WRAP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND EACH OF YOU AT THIS TIME.Carl Jay Garganeous
Harlem, GA Thursday, April 23, 2015 See you on the other side Uncle Ralph..I love you.Allen Dickerson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 22, 2015 i will miss you Ralph. You were a great man. Until we see each other again,Love,
Deuce