Jimmy Ray Barnes

On Monday, November 23, 2020, Jimmy Ray Barnes, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at age 66. Jimmy was born on June 17, 1954 in McMinnville, TN to CD and Lucille Barnes. He graduated from Warren Senior High School in 1972. On August 27, 1976, he married Paula Marie Haley. They raised two daughters, Rebecca and Jennifer, and one son, Jimmy Ray Jr. A longtime farmer/nurseryman, Jimmy spent his early days with his family’s dairy operations where he spent his days milking with his brothers and sisters. In 1991, he started Heritage Farms, a family-owned nursery specializing in fruit trees. The family farm, River Valley Farms, was recently recognized as a Century Farm, notating 100 years of continuous production. Through the years, Jimmy served as a County Commissioner, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for the Middle TN Nursery Association and held other various roles in the community. Jimmy was a great man of strong Christian faith, and he always put God first. He was a lifelong member of Ivy Bluff Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for several years. Most recently, he was honored to become a part of the church family at West Riverside Church of Christ. Jimmy's family was everything to him and could often be found at sporting events and dance competitions supporting and cheering on his family. He enjoyed watching the UT Vols and old western movies, was known for being a kid at heart and he could tell some of the best ghost stories. He always looked forward to dressing up as Santa for the Barnes Family Christmas gathering. Some of his greatest joys later in life came from spending time with his grandchildren. He loved fishing with them, taking them to the creek, attending their sporting events, vacationing with them and simply playing together. In lots of ways, he became like a child when in their presence. Jimmy was truly one of a kind. Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, CD; his mother, Lucille; and two brothers, Harry Lee (Janet) and Carl. He is survived by his wife, Paula; three children, Rebecca (Scott) Walker, Jennifer (Mike) Mu, and Jimmy Barnes, Jr.; sisters, Vickie Bouldin (Mike) and Joyce Barnes; five grandchildren, Henry, Emma, Ben, Mason, and Madeline; and several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive. Loved by so many, he will greatly be missed. Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 2020 at West Riverside Church of Christ with Charles Williams and Jerry Barlar officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Bluff Cemetery in Warren County, TN. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at High’s and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at West Riverside Church of Christ. Wearing a mask and practicing social distancing will be required for all family and friends. Donations may be made to The Gospel of Christ (PO Box 788 McMinnville, TN 37111) or Phil Hyatt Memorial Scholarship Fund (c/o WCHS 199 Pioneer Lane McMinnville, TN 37110). Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.