Donnie Lee Barnes

Mr. Donnie Lee Barnes, 69, of Ellijay, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Gilmer County June 28, 1951. 

He is preceded in death by adopted parents, Ode and Osie Watkins; father, Rimbert Hopkins; mother, Matteline Barnes; uncle, Thurston Barnes; sisters, Renee Suyak and Sherry Cantrell; brothers, Randy and Johnny Cantrell. 

He was previously employed by Ronnie Thompson Ford. He was of the Baptist faith and loved hunting, cars and tractors.

He is survived by wife, Diane Barnes; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Jerome Lowman; stepmother, Irene Hopkins; brothers, Danny Cantrell and Ben Hopkins; sisters, Sue Cantrell, Lynn Williamson, Sandy Gilreath and Terry Cantrell; and grandchildren, Matthew, Samuel and Gracie Lowman.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021, from Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Billy Dotson officiating. 

Pallbearers were Matthew Lowman, Jerome Lowman, Billy Ayers, Billy Crump, Larry Suyak and Danny Hensley. 

Honorary pallbearers were Samuel Lowman, Ben Hopkins, Bennie Garland and Danny Cantrell.

Condolences can be made at www.bernhardtfh.com.

Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.