Lalon Lem Barnes Jr.

Reverend Lalon Lem Barnes, Jr. was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 23, 2016. Rev. Barnes devoted his life to the ministry and to his family. Born on July 18, 1930, to Mable Cumbee Barnes and Rev. Lalon L. Barnes, he enlisted in the United States Navy at the tender age of 17 years and proudly served his country through the Korean War. After serving in the military, Rev. Barnes began a career of commercial real estate development and established one of the first commercial blueberry farms in North Carolina, working closely with North Carolina State University to lay the groundwork for what is a thriving part of North Carolina's economy. During those years, he began serving in many civic organizations, including serving as a member of Masonic Lodge #646 for over 50 years.
In 1975, after serving as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Cary, NC, Rev. Barnes became the pastor of a new church in Apex, NC, Faith Baptist Church. He was the founding pastor and served as pastor there for almost 41 years, sharing God's love and gift of grace and redemption through the holy Word of God.
Reverend Barnes was a loving, loyal, and devoted husband to his wife, Elizabeth, and his children and grandchildren. He firmly established in each of them a strong Christian faith, a gratitude to God for all physical and spiritual blessings, a dedication to family and church, a desire to help the less fortunate, and a strong work ethic.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mable and Lalon Barnes, and his siblings, Clyde Barnes, Henson Barnes, and Doris Carter as well as a sister who died as an infant. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his children, Beth Braswell, Rebekah Horrell (Carey), and Lalon Lem Barnes, III (Hilary), his grandchildren, Brantly and Davis Braswell, Chris, Matthew and Rachel Horrell, Mac and Gabe Barnes and Ryan Yandle. He is also survived by his siblings, Carl Barnes (Natalie), Roger Barnes (Luise), Joanne Stevens (Tommy), Glorietta Barnes, Faye Dunaway, Amanda Barnes, and Randy Barnes and by several nieces and nephews and extended family and a loving and supportive church family.
Services will be held Thursday, May 26, 2016. A visitation with the family will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Apex, NC at 10:00 am, with services there at 11:00 am. Visitation with the family at Beards Chapel in Garland, NC will be held at 3:00 pm, with services there at 4:00 pm. Burial services will follow in church cemetery at White Lake 5:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Baptist Church 1004 US 64, Apex, NC  27523 or Beards Chapel Church 6504 US Hwy. 701 N., Elizabethtown, NC 28337
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

Online condolences maybe sent through www.carterfh.com

Service by Carter Funeral Home in Garland.