Rufus Anthony Barnes, Sr.

Rufus Anthony Barnes, Sr., 60, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, in Poplarville, MS. Born on June 27, 1963, in Gulfport, MS, to the late Edward and Maggie Barnes. He was a proud graduate of Harrison Central High School, playing basketball throughout his high school career. Rufus had a deep passion for cooking, making the absolute best red beans and ribs, among many other dishes. His BBQs and fish fries were events that friends and family looked forward to with great anticipation. Rufus cherished being outdoors, whether he was casting a line into a lake, tracking rabbits through the woods, or tending to his farm. His love for the land was evident in the meticulous care he gave to his cows, goats, chickens, and mowing the lawn with his numerous lawn mowers. Rufus had a green thumb, growing a lush garden every year, with the most beautiful watermelon and collard greens you’ve ever laid your eyes on. He loved music and needed no dance floor to cut a rug and show off his moves. Yet, he also relished those moments of relaxation, sitting back with the blues playing in the background. He enjoyed his Westerns; no matter how many times he had seen a film, he watched it with the same enthusiasm as if it were the first. He always had a joke to crack and laughs to share with his family, the funny guy in every family gathering. A true homebody at heart, he was always at peace in the company of his loved ones. Not only did he deeply love his children but all the kids in his family as his own. The devotion to his wife was constant. After 29 years of marriage and 34 years together, he never left the house without a kiss goodbye—a ritual that spoke volumes about his commitment and love. Now, Rufus has been reunited with his beloved daughter, Chelsea, who preceded him in death just a short while ago. In heaven, they share the biggest hug, a moment of reunion that those who loved them can find comfort in imagining. He is preceded by his daughter, Chelsea Renae Barnes; parents, Maggie and Edward Barnes, Sr.; In-laws, Judy and Hayward Ladner Sr., siblings, Retha Mae McCullom, Edward Barnes, Jr., Charlie Barnes, Johnny Barnes, and Michael Barnes. Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Melissa (Ladner) Barnes, children, Anthony (Laken) Barnes, Aaron Barnes, Terance Barnes, Rufus Barnes Jr., and Reashad Mullins; grandchildren, Bryton, Brettley, Hollyn, Elizabeth, Kinsley, Kamari, Tancie, Madison, Zoey, and Avery; siblings, Earlene (Lennell) Ball, Betty Turner, Alfrida Barnes, Darlene (Thomas) McNair, and Joseph Barnes; sister-in-law, Mandy (Melvin) Gibson; and brothers-in-law, Howard Ladner and Michael Ladner; along with numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends. A visitation will be held at Trinity Funeral Services Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 12:00PM - 2:00PM with a Memorial Service to follow.  Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Barnes family and asks that you keep the entire family in your thoughts and prayers.