Crawford Eugene (Gene) Barnes, Sr. (88) surrounded by his family, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, August 20th. Born on September 16, 1928, Mr. Barnes was raised in Hokes Bluff, Alabama. He was a life-long resident of Etowah County and was a 1947 graduate of Hokes Bluff High School. He, along with his twin sister, lrene Barnes Gilliland, never missed a day of school and received an award for twelve years perfect attendance. Mr. Barnes was a long-time educator in the Gadsden area, serving as band director at Glencoe High School, where he organized the band program (well-known band director and musician/arranger, Homer McCallum was his first drum major). He was the band director at Etowah High School from 1959-1969. In 1969, he became choral director at Gadsden High School. He also led the Gadsden High Tiger Band in 1976 when they played bicentennial concerts on the steps of the United States Capital and independence Park in Philadelphia. He was a well renowned, award-winning choral director of the Gadsden High School Triads and Velvetones choral groups. They were considered to be among the top choral groups in the nation, having been referred to as the best in Alabama by judges at State Contest. The Triads and Velvetones were invited to appear twice on Educational Television in Montgomery, Alabama, and performed at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee among other venues. Upon retirement from the Gadsden Board of Education, he accepted a position teaching choral at Southside High School. Over the years, his various groups consistently won awards for superior group and individual performance in state-wide competitions. In addition, Mr. Barnes was music director at numerous area churches for approximately 60 years. He was active as music director at Glencoe Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the time of his passing.

Mr. Barnes lived a rich and blessed life. He recanted the story once of how he started work at the age of six, picking cotton in Hokes Bluff. He played football at Hokes Bluff High School, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. After his service to his country, he attended Jacksonville State University, where he received his B.S. and Master's degrees in music, majoring in both voice and instrumental music. He was a charter member of Phi Mu Alpha while attending JSU. He also attended the University of Alabama having studied voice under the direction of Col. Carlton K. Butler and was a member of the "Million Dollar Band". It was at the University where he met his wife and the mother of his four beautiful children, Betty Moon.

He was revered and loved by multitudes of his students, as he based his teaching philosophy on Christian principles. Mr. Barnes was not only an educator; he was an instructor, mentor, friend, role model, and much more. During his life, he was also a farmer, carpenter, patriot, historian, song writer, marketer, and promoter, but most significantly, a servant of our Lord. Always disarming with his sharp wit, generous to a fault, and 'top of his field' in his chosen vocation, he was one-of-a-kind. His love for his large family was infinite - as was this love reflected by his adoring children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A testament of this love was the interaction he had on an occasion with his oldest grandson, Cam Walker, when he presented Cam with a homemade certificate expressing his appreciation for tending to him while Mr. Barnes was recovering from a recent knee surgery: "Cam's willingness to help others is extraordinary as he has shown tremendous selflessness in making sure that his Paw Paw Barnes' every need was met."

His funeral service will be Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Christ Central Church in Rainbow City with Greg Plimpton officiating. Burial will be in Crestwood Funeral Home. Crestwood Funeral home will be in charge of services.

Mr. Barnes is survived by children, Libbie Walker (Jesse James), Deborah Hill (Howell Mathews), Buddy Barnes (Deanise), and Brandon Barnes (Christy Chase); grandchildren, Cam Walker, Drew Walker (Mallory); Ashley Watson (Caroline), Brett Barnes (Christen), Victoria Barnes, Riley Barnes; Kaylee Ulmer (Coleman), Jayden Barnes (Samantha) Taytom Barnes, Baylor Barnes, Raylen Barnes; Jason Hill, Jeremy Hill, John Hill (Kelsey) great-grandchildren, Scarlett Watson, Lefebvre Watson, Lael Watson, Pallaus Barnes, Raines Ulmer, Kyler Hill; special friend, Barbara Martin; special sister in-law, Suzanne Moon Messersmith; special nephews, Eddie Whorton and Trey Giles; special nieces, Allison Giles Lefeve, Laura Messersmith Britt; special cousins, Mary Ellen Barnes Marbut, Sue Barnes Humphries, Mark Gidley and Jim Gidley.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 25 years, Betty Moon and twin sister, Irene Barnes Gilliland.

Pallbearers will be, Cam and Drew Walker, Riley Barnes, Ashley Watson, Jayden, Taytom, Baylor Barnes, Jason, Jeremy and John Hill. Honorary pallbearers will be Deleath Rives, Dixie Brown, Billy Jenkins, and former band, choral and music students. Special thanks to Hematology and Oncology Dr. Chuckwuma Ndibe; nurses and staff of the Cancer Center and Amedysis Hospice.

Visitation will be Thursday 12 until 3 P.M. at the church. Flowers will be accepted or donations to your local church or favorite organization.