Willie Henderson Barnes, Jr. (W. H. or Will), 43, of the 1400 block of Nansemond Parkway died October 10, 2014 at home from complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Willie Jr. was born July 30, 1971. He was a loving, caring and devoted son to his late father, Willie Henderson Barnes, Sr. and to his mother, Betty Rea Riddick Barnes especially the last fourteen years since his father's death in 2000.

Willie Jr. graduated from Nansemond Suffolk Academy in 1989 and matriculated with the class of 1993 at Virginia Military Institute where he was a computer science major.

In his earlier years in 1986, he was selected by audition for the first class of the Governor's Magnet School for the Arts in music. He was declared a National Winner in the preparatory class of Piano Audition in 1987. All music brought much joy to his life.

Willie Jr. was a loyal, dependable and valued employer of Vitex Packing Group until he could no longer carry out his duties for health reasons. Many of his co-workers were faithful to him during his sickness, Rich Juliano and Stephanie Taylor in particular. He had been employed by Unilever and Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc. also.

He was a lifelong member of Berea Christian Church (UCC) where he enjoyed may youth activities that help mold him into the man he became.
He is survived by his Mother, Betty Rea Barnes of Suffolk, VA., his sister Denise B. Byrum and husband Randy of Boykins, VA., his brother, Michael Riddick of Sunbury. N.C. He also had one niece, Kelly, four nephews, Paul, James, Arron and Zachary; great niece Nicole and a great nephew Collen; aunt and uncle Tommie and Linda Riddick, aunt Maryann Riddick and his family friend Pat Suttle.

His life will be celebrated at Parr Funeral Home Monday, October 13, 2014 at 1 p.m. led by Pastor Rob Stovall and Dr. Robert Carpenter. The interment will follow at the Riddick Family Cemetery at Sandy Cross Road, Hobbsville, N.C.

The family would like to thank Dr. Roger Perry and other doctors and nurses involved in his care at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for their knowledge, care and compassion during his lengthy stays there. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Berea Christian Church 4109 Driver Lane, Suffolk, VA 23435.

The family will be at the residence. We lost a courageous, strong man. He was, is, and always be missed, loved and respected by his family and friends.