Vance Princeton Barnes

Vance Princeton Barnes of Gainesville, GA passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, January 26, 2017 after a short battle with cancer.  Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1931, the only child of the late Ezra Elihu and Kathleen Chatham Barnes, he lived in Morningside and graduated from Grady High School and Emory University in Atlanta, GA.  He served in the Army during the Korean War as an Instructor at Fort Benning, GA in Light and Heavy Weapons and was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Sargent.  During his service he received the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals.

A lifelong salesman, he owned Vance P. Barnes Equipment Co. for many years.  Vance never retired and continued to make deals until shortly before his death.  He loved to dance, loved meeting and talking with people, looked for the good in all and truly lived his motto to “always be friendly.”

He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Jane Gale Barnes, and is survived by sons and daughters-in-law David and Martha Creager Barnes of Houston, TX, Thomas and Lynn May Barnes of Greensboro, NC, Joseph and Mimi Lindborg Jove-Barnes of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Richard and Dr. Bridgett Moore Barnes of Valdosta, GA and eight grandchildren: Jessica, Rebecca (Jonathan) Goodwin Swann, Lois, Katherine, Benjamin, Cameron, Jon and Tucker and cousin Nancy (Mrs. Donald) Newman.  The family wishes to thank the staff and Vance’s many friends at Smoky Springs Senior Living in Gainesville, GA, as well as the First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, Halcyon Hospice, his caregivers and internist Dr. Lin Zoller, III, son of his lifelong friends Linwood and Myra Zoller of Gainesville, GA.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church, 800 South Enota Drive, NE, Gainesville, GA 30501. Rev. Lee Koontz will officiate.  A reception will follow the service in the Parlor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a contribution to the B.A.S.I.C.S. Class Mission Fund of First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, GA or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 770-297-6200.