Willie R. Barnes, age 85 of Harrison, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Hospice of the Hills Hospice House in Harrison.

The son of Orbin and Lydia (Layton) Barnes, he was born November 19, 1923 at Leslie, Arkansas.

He had lived in this area most of his life and had worked for Harrison Water Department.

Willie's love for his wife, Lucille was so strong that his desire to be with her came 5 days after her death. Now they're re-united in Heaven, joined hand in hand.

His parents preceded him in death, along with his wife, Lucille Barnes; two sisters, Verna Barnes and Vena Biggs, and one granddaughter, Chanda Ruley.

Survivors are his son, Danny Collins; daughters, Debbie Wells and her husband, Carl and Dee Conner, all of Harrison; sisters, Ruby Wilson of Neosho, Missouri, Virginia Blackwood of Marshall, Johnnie Bell Simpson of Green Forest, and Mary Ellen McKinney of Pea Ridge; grandchildren. Brandon Ruley, Brian Wells, Cameron Wells, Carrie Ponder, D. J. Collins, Ashlee Colliver, and Waylon Wright; and 10 great- grandchildren.

Visitation was Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison. Service was Friday, April 10, 2009 at Grubb Springs Baptist Church with Rick Brisco officiating. Burial followed in Maplewood Cemetery with pallbearers being Brian Wells,
D.J. Collins, Roger Diffey, Cameron Wells, Waylon Wright, and Afton Bolen. Honorary pallbearers were Brandon Ruley, Ashlee Colliver, Carrie Ponder, Carl Wells, Judy Bolen, Ruby Tomlinson, Alan Archer, and all of Willie's nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice House, 501 E. Sherman, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.

Online condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com.