Bobbie Lee Barnes

On Saturday evening, May 13, 2023, the Lord instructed his angels to return our beloved ROBERT “BOBBIE” LEE BARNES, to his home in the afterlife with the One above all. He departed after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He was born in East Baltimore City on May 17, 1951 to Delores Mildred Banks & Delma Lee Barnes. Robert, or “Bobbie” as he was aﬀectionately called, attended Fairmount Hill High School where he fell in love with his soulmate Mary Elizabeth “Puddin” Barnes (then Taylor). After graduating in 1969, Robert married his high school sweetheart, Mary Elizabeth Taylor. Throughout his life Robert’s work ethic called for him to maintain several titles throughout his career and travels. As a youth Robert shoveled snow, sold newspapers, worked in George’s National Beef (to buy Christmas gifts) and janitorial maintenance. As an adult, Robert worked as a maintenance mechanic, captain of a security agency and an investigator. Robert retired as a maintenance chief after having worked for department General Services for over thirty years. Robert was a loner who was respected by all who crossed his path. He possessed a dominant spirit with a ﬁrm but fair hand to all who knew him. Robert was the designated patriarch of his family. His siblings would always count on his leadership, helping hand, tough love, support and encouraging perspective. Robert, true to the taurus characteristic, was always dependable and loyal to his close-knit friends and family. Robert was a man who did not follow trends and moved to the beat of his own drum regardless of others’ opinions. Robert even in times of stubbornness and anger was loving and compassionate. His tough exterior guarded the heart of a gentle giant. The only thing bigger than his backbone was the love of his family. He would give you the shirt oﬀ his back but expect you to wear it right. He was the type of man to tell you an uncomfortable truth and help you put on the right shoes to walk in it. His wisdom, subtle playfulness and southern gentleman charm was embraced by those who witness edit and will be missed by those who appreciated it. Robert cultivated close bonds with those whom he felt could embrace camaraderie. Although operating as a lone wolf, Robert was the fatherly ﬁgure to those who he loved. Robert liked to ﬁx/build things, watch gun smoke westerns and be attentive to local current events. Robert leaves those who loved and enjoyed his presence to mourn his passing yet embrace his life: his only son, Robert Brandon Barnes; his closest brother, Ronald Barnes (his siblings, Jimmy Barnes, Leroy Barnes and Joyce Lewis-Barnes preceded him in death);his favorite niece and some say the daughter he never had, Tonika Peoples; his favorite grand-nephew, Travis Stinyard, Mason Singleton and Myron Singleton; his favorite niece-in-law, Alexis Stinyard; sisters-in-law, Michelle Glover, Gale Mclean, Paula Ber & brother in law Tony Mclean; nieces, Ashely Williams, Kelli Gholson; nephew, Larry Moore Jr., Shawn “Chucky” Mclean, Tayvon Barnes (preceded by Micheal Lewis) and brother-in-law, Jimmy Ber; great grandnieces, Ariel “Diamond” Stinyard, Jenna Holiday and Makayla Moses; long-time friend Yang Kim, Jacqueline “Jc” Crews; and a host of other relatives and friends that will surely miss him.

Tributes

Bobbie Lee Barnes

May 17, 1951 - May 13, 2023