06/09/11 — ANTONIO "TONY" BARNES

View Archive

ANTONIO "TONY" BARNES

Dec. 23, 1965-June 3, 2011

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- We are honored to celebrate the life of Antonio "Tony" Barnes, who passed away at age 45 June 3, 2011, from complications of lung disease.

Tony was born Dec. 23, 1965, in Goldsboro, N.C., to Lizzie Mae Barnes, who died shortly after his birth.

Tony has an amazing childhood story, too long to detail here. Suffice it to say, he felt blessed, and was grateful to his foster families, who raised him until he joined the Army at age 18.

Tony was married twice, first to Rhonda Hyden, and later to Jackie Blades.

The last 11 years of his life were spent with his loving partner, Norma Asbury, whom he affectionately called "My wife, Redd."

Tony has two children by birth, Melanie Barnes of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Antonio Barnes of the home.

Through his bond with Norma, he was father to three boys, Christopher Asbury, Travis Asbury and Austin Asbury, all of the home.

Tony's immediate family includes sisters, Cynthia Ross and Arlene Hall, and brothers, Willie Barnes and Keith McClearn.

His extended foster family includes Daddy Hezzie Mitchell; sisters, Gloria Stewart and Denise McClendon; nieces, Lorrinda Stewart, Diane Stewart and Jamie Stewart; nephew, Shorne Stewart; and cousin John Hodges.

He was preceded in death by his foster parents, Grace and Edward Fleming.

Memorial service with military honors will be held Friday, June 10, 2011, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, Fla., 32073, with hospice chaplain James "Pop" Williams officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Fla., 32257.

Post tributes at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.

(Pd)

Published in Obituaries on June 9, 2011 1:48 PM