Cleon Barnes

Cleon Randolph “Randy” Barnes, 53, went home to be with the Lord on October 5, 2021.  Randy was born to Barbara Ann Combs Barnes and the late Cleon Ray Barnes. In addition to his mother, Randy is survived by his Son, Zachary “Zach” Randolph Love; Brother and Best Friend, Terry Ray Barnes (Belinda); Sister, Sharon Barnes Johnson (Ricky); Nieces, Kristina Barnes and Shannon Barnes; Great-Niece, Anastasia “Stasia” De Ruiter; Nephew, Michael “Ryan” Johnson (Tonya); Very Special Great-Nephew, Lennox Johnson; Life-Long Friends, Charles Kevin Kirkbride and RMC Roy S. Romesburg, Sr. (Jodie); and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to his father, Randy is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Daisy Bell May and Randolph “Ran” Combs, Sr.; and Paternal Grandparents, Pauline “Lena” Hamm and Cleon Ernest Barnes. Randy had a big smile and healthy sense of humor.  He had a knack for telling good jokes and took pleasure in making folks laugh.  He was proud of his ability to solve difficult sudoku puzzles and could play a really good game of chess.  He was a creative thinker and quite crafty.  He would often re-purpose items in unique ways to make them surprisingly useful again. Randy was a hard worker and skilled in a variety of fields.  Prior to his health declining, he honed skills in numerous areas including auto-repair, plumbing, HVAC, warehouse distribution, carpet maintenance, construction, roofing, welding, and general home improvement. Football was one spectator sport Randy liked, and he had played a little when he was young.  He could hardly wait for every football season and Super Bowl.  His teams were the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys. Randy developed a love of racing at an early age.  His dad and a few friends had co-owned a car they raced at the former Southside Speedway.  Randy learned a lot as he watched and listened to them for hours nearly every day, while they worked to get the car running and looking its best.  Every weekend, Randy would be in the stands cheering, screaming, and excited at the prospect of winning.  Randy enjoyed NASCAR racing.  His favorite drivers were Kyle Larson and the Dale Earnhardt, Sr.   Randy had done some go-kart racing and was a natural at it.  When he was on the track, he never failed to give fellow competitors a run for the money. Our family takes comfort in that Randy is now with God in heaven.  Our hearts ache to have him back with us here on earth, but our faith in God's promise of everlasting life will sustain us, until we join him some day in heaven. Interment will be private.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA  23060, or the American Cancer Society, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.