Billy Ray Barnes

Billy Ray Barnes was born on April 18, 1944 in Harlan, Kentucky. He was the youngest of eight children born to Eugene and Opal Barnes. On January 16, 2019, Billy made his transition and now he is at Peace with our Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

At a young age he joined Triumph The Church and Kingdom of God in Christ in Harlan, Kentucky. Later, in 1992, Billy joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Wayne, Michigan.

Billy graduated from Rosenwald High School in Harlan, Kentucky. After graduation, he attended Pineville School of Nursing. He was employed by Pineville Hospital in Pineville, Kentucky and Harlan Hospital in Harlan, Kentucky. After moving to Detroit, Michigan Billy was employed at Highland Park Hospital, Wayne County General Hospital and then transferred to the Pharmacy Department for the State of Michigan and continued to work part-time until he fully retired in 2016. He was a dedicated nurse and loved helping anyone in need.

Billy's life was exemplary and he enjoyed traveling, bowling, cooking, and sharing his time with family. He loved and was truly loved by his nieces and nephews. Billy was a dedicated member of the Rosenwald Harlanites, Inc of the Detroit Chapter and served on the National Executive Board,

Billy leaves to cherish his memory; two brothers, Reverend Floyd K. Barnes of Harlan, Kentucky and Harold Barnes (Louise) of Detroit, Michigan; two sisters, Lela Norris (Samuel) of Lathrup Village, Michigan and Lois Payne (Victor) of Westland, Michigan; one sister-in-law, Cheryl Barnes of Detroit, Michigan and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews and other relatives.