Harry Barnes, Sr.

Harry Barnes, Sr. was born on April 17, 1943, in Sardis, Alabama to Edd Barnes Sr. and Lizette (nee Dillard). He was the twelfth of fifteen children. Harry accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. After graduating from Shiloh High School in Sardis Alabama, Harry moved to Cincinnati Ohio in 1962. It was here in Cincinnati where Harry would blossom with his brothers as an entrepreneur in various business ventures and meet the love of his life Bernice Altora Sims-Barnes.

Harry and Bernice married on July 9, 1966, and three children were born from this union. Harry Barnes Jr., Roosevelt Barnes, and Vanessa Barnes Springer. Harry worked for Christ Hospital and Hostess Bakery until he found his calling as a barber at Barnes Barbershop on Woodburn Avenue in 1967. It was in 1969 that Harry and his two siblings Horace and Edd Barnes would branch out on their own and open the second location for Barnes Barbershop on Madison Road in Madisonville. The shop became a gathering place where people not only received grooming services, but they laughed, debated on various topics and received inspiring fellowship and advice.

Harry’s life was a display of both New and Old Testament scriptures, Joel 2:28-29 and Acts 2:17-18 Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions (NIV).

As a young man with his brothers, Harry migrated from the Jim Crow South with a vision of freedom through entrepreneurial enterprise. He and his brothers owned a grocery store, shoe store, real estate/property management service, a haircare products company, and the crown jewel of them all, Barnes Barbershop now in its 69th year of operation extending into multiple generations.

Harry’s love for family, business and community never wavered. He often encouraged his children to turn their dreams and vision into action. He was a champion for organic entrepreneurship and a vibrant collaborating community; serving as a catalyst to encourage, consult and invest in many business ventures for his children. Harry loved his family unconditionally and set a strong example for faith, family, fatherhood, and a relentless work ethic.

Harry loved gardening, playing the piano and guitar in his spare time. Holidays were always a time for him to engage in this hobby. Harry Barnes made his peaceful transition from this earth on December 28, 2025, at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Lloyd, Walter, Etta Hatcher, Monroe, Tommie, James, Horace, Edd, Lizette, and Archie. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Bernice, children: Harry Barnes Jr. (Patrice), Roosevelt, Vanessa (William), four grandchildren; Roosevelt Jr (RJ), Harrison, Lauren, and Madison, siblings: Iola Reese, Ernestine Johnson, Ann M. Hill, Jesse, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.  Harry will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.

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