Douglas Randolph Barnes

Douglas Randolph Barnes, affectionately known as Doug, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at the age of 86. Born and raised in Angier, North Carolina, Doug made his home in Garner, where he lived with his beloved wife, Virginia Duncan Barnes, for more than 50 years.

Doug and Virginia were married on July 1, 1966, and shared 60 wonderful years together. Their marriage was the foundation of a loving family that included their two sons, Randy and Tate, and five energetic grandchildren whom Doug cherished dearly.

Doug is survived by his wife, Virginia; his sons, Randy Barnes of Melrose, Massachusetts, and Tate Barnes of High Point, North Carolina; his daughters-in-law, Katie Barnes (Randy) and Emily Barnes (Tate); and his grandchildren, Caleb, Adelina, and Levi (Katie and Randy) and Everett and Parker (Emily and Tate). He is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews, dear neighbors on Nicklaus Drive, and many treasured friends throughout the Garner, Angier, and Cleveland School communities.

Doug graduated from Angier High School in 1958 and Chowan College in 1960, where he studied computer engineering. He continued his education in this field at North Carolina State University through the mid-1960s. In 1965, he began his service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, serving his country until 1971.

In 1967, Doug began his professional career in the computer industry. At a time when mainframe computers dominated the field and before the advent of semiconductor microprocessors, he worked as a computer programmer for Rockwell Industries, Troxler Electronics Laboratories, and Omark Industries.

In 1981, Doug began a new chapter in his career when he co-founded T&R Signs and Screen Printing in Garner. What began in his home garage grew into a successful business that he co-owned for 20 years. Doug was never afraid of hard work or starting over, and his strong work ethic was evident in everything he did. He often worked evenings and weekends installing sheetrock.

From 1991 until 2006, Doug also delivered newspapers for The News & Observer, serving routes throughout the Garner area. He fully retired in 2006.

Retirement gave Doug more time to enjoy the people and things he loved most. Above all, he treasured spending time with Virginia and his family, especially his talented grandchildren. Doug felt great joy and deep pride as he watched his grandkids grow and participate in a range of activities, most notably sports and music. He was an avid gardener who took great pride in his yard and frequently grew corn, okra, squash, butter beans, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers and even hot peppers, including Carolina Reapers. Doug and Virginia spent countless hours together over the years picking vegetables from their garden, pulling weeds, and shelling butterbeans and peas. He enjoyed coin-collecting, solving puzzles, reading the newspaper and keeping his property free of briars and tree debris.

Doug was also a lifelong sports enthusiast. He played the big 3 sports as a high schooler in Angier, football at Chowan College, and many years of softball in Angier and the Cleveland School community. Doug coached Randy and Tate in baseball for many years, from Little League to Senior League Babe Ruth. He instilled competitiveness and emphasized the importance of preparation and extra effort for achieving great outcomes. As a fan, he followed the Detroit Tigers, Washington Redskins, NC State Wolfpack, NASCAR and professional golf. He especially enjoyed listening to NASCAR races on his transistor radio.

Throughout his life, he loved classic Western movies and favorite television shows such as I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, Family Feud, Jeopardy, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train and, in most recent years, Yellowstone. He enjoyed cooking and grilling as often as he could, and his barbecue chicken was a favorite of family and friends.

Doug also enjoyed playing blackjack, honing his skills and occasionally traveling with Virginia to Las Vegas and Mississippi or taking casino-boat trips from Myrtle Beach. He understood the odds of achieving winning outcomes, and he often claimed victory over the house.

Those who knew Doug will remember him for his remarkable intelligence, practical skills and attention to detail. He took great pride in doing things correctly and thoroughly. He was a true do-it-yourselfer who seemed able to fix just about anything around the house. Yet despite his many abilities, Doug was an easygoing and laid-back man who was genuinely interested in people. He was easy to talk with and could carry on a conversation about nearly anything.

Doug was a man of integrity. His word could always be trusted, and he lived his life with a genuine sincerity that those around him deeply appreciated. He was hardworking, capable, handsome throughout his life, and above all, devoted to his family.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Jamie and Hal Partin and their son, Grayson, of Angier, for the loving care and attention they gave to “Uncle Doug and Aunt Virginia” over the years, and especially during the past eight months. Their kindness and devotion will never be forgotten.

The family also extends its deepest gratitude to Paul and Diane Keene, who are the very best next-door neighbors anyone could hope for. Their friendship, kindness and willingness to always be there has meant so much to Doug and Virginia.

Special thanks are also extended to Suzanne and Neil Barwick for their sometimes unexpected and wonderfully thoughtful visits to check on Doug and Virginia, as well as for bringing food and other treats. Their friendship is a true gift to the family.

Doug leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved him dearly, and a community of friends and neighbors who were fortunate to know him. His quiet strength, humor, intelligence, work ethic and genuine nature will be deeply missed.

Doug lived a full and meaningful life, built on hard work, family, integrity and perseverance. He will be remembered not only for all he accomplished, but for the man he was—and for the love he gave to Virginia, his family and the many people fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Doug will lie in repose for public viewing Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, with visitation following from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver Street, Angier, North Carolina.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be considered to SECU Hospice House of UNC Health Johnston, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Parkinson’s Foundation, or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home – Angier.