Rufus Frederick

Barnes

Deacon Rufus Frederick Barnes answered the Heavenly call on February 28, 2026, at Bay Medical Center in Panama City, Florida, surrounded by his loving family.  Deacon Barnes is a native of Panama City and was born on August 3, 1942, in Lake County to the parentage of Preston & Essie Mae (Davenport) Barnes.  Deacon Barnes was raised in a Christian home with his siblings learning the foundation is Christ.  He graduated from Rosenwald High School in the class of 1961.  He served in the U.S. Army and retired in Civil Service, at Tyndall Air Force Base, as a Motor Vehicle Operator for 27 years.  He met and married his love Bessie Dawson and to this union five beautiful children was loved and raised.  Deacon Barnes was a member of Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, where he served faithfully until his demise.  He will truly will be missed by his lovely wife of 59 years, caring children, amazing siblings, his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Rufus touched the lives of many through his generosity and kindness by all he knew!