Mr. Randy M. Barnes

April 17, 2019

Randy McKinley Barnes was born on March 9, 1956 in Suffolk, Virginia to Alice Mae Horner Barnes and Leslie Barnes, Sr. He was the youngest of six Barnes children and grew up in the Saratoga neighborhood of Suffolk, in Virginia, where he made many long-time childhood friends. He attended Ida V. Easter Grade School and eventually matriculated to John F. Kennedy High School where he graduated in 1974. Randy continued his education after high school at Norfolk State University, and then transitioned to Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia where he completed his Associate Degree in 1977. After which, Randy moved to California and started his family of three children with Cheryl Sennette in San Diego. Since then, Randy has amassed a collection of friends and extended family, all the way across the country. Randy was an avid motorcyclist and fell in love with riding. When he was 13, he received his first motorized bike, a Honda Trail 70 mini as a Christmas gift. His love for motorcycling grew as his life in California grew, and over time became fondly known as “Jo Dee” by his fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. He was a “Jack of all Trades” but was most notably recognized for his work under his company Busso Construction. Randy was a handy and skilled craftsman and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Randy passed away on Wednesday April 17, 2019 at the age of 63. Randy completed his life engaged in one of his many passions. One of Randy’s other well-known passions was being “Papa” to his seven grandchildren Nathaniel, Savannah, Taylor, Layla, Cameron, Christian, and Daniel. His grandchildren were one of his proudest legacies. He loved and adored them immensely and beamed with joy whenever he spoke of them. In addition to his grandchildren, Randy is survived by his three children Brandi, Candice, and Randy, Jr., aka Bug (Yoshimi); his long-time partner Lysa Wilson, her children London and Destinee, and Lysa’s loving mother, Marian (which he had a relationship with as if she was his own mother); his brothers William, Alfred, and Bennie Barnes; his “sister-niece” Rhonda Smith; many other Barnes nieces and nephews, and cousins; his devoted “kindred brother” Morris Green, and many extended family. Randy is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Leslie Barnes, Jr. and sister Almeta Barnes Smith. A “Celebration of Life” memorial will be held for our beloved Randy on Friday, May 17, 2019 at East Suffolk Complex at 3pm. Let us not so much mourn his death, but more so celebrate and honor him for the life he loved and lived so much to the fullest every day. The Barnes and Wilson Family thanks everyone you for all of their love, support, and friendship during this difficult time for our family. May you and your family enjoy many blessings this day and beyond! Information provided by Harris Funeral Home.