Mr. Gary Wayne Barnes, 83, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, at his home in Kannapolis.

A memorial service is scheduled for 3:00 pm Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Lady's Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. John Miller will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm Thursday at Lady's Funeral Home.

Gary was born July 17, 1942 in Salisbury. He was a son of the late J.C. Barnes and Ruby Mae Overcash Barnes. He was a member of Grace Christian Church and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. In his earlier years, he worked for Cannon Mills in Plant 1 and later worked as a Security Officer.

He found his greatest joy in the simple moments, especially days spent fishing alongside friends and family, sharing stories, laughter, and quiet peace on the water. A true enthusiast of classic Ford cars, he took pride in collecting, restoring, and preserving each one with care, seeing them not just as vehicles, but as memories and history worth saving. His love for those around him, and the passions that brought him happiness, will be remembered with warmth and gratitude by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two step-sons, Bobby Joe Gulledge, Jr. and Johnny Wayne Gulledge; step-grandson, J.B. Gulledge.

Gary is survived by his wife, Shelby Gulledge Barnes; two step-children, Richard Phelps of Concord and Cynthia Gulledge of Kannapolis; brother, Johnny L. Barnes and wife Kathy of Landis; eight step-grandchildren, Jennifer Spaetti, Justin Gulledge, Candace Overcash, Valerie Blake, Ashley Jarrell, Gary Gene Gulledge, Lindsay Gulledge and Dylan Gulledge; and numerous step-great grandchildren and step-great-great grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to Grace Christian Church, 435 China Grove Road, China Grove, NC 28023.