Celebrating the Life of Johnny Barnes

Johnny Barnes, 61, president of Barnes Farming Corporation, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, July 12th, following complications from an illness. A visionary farmer and respected community leader in Nash County, Mr. Barnes dedicated his life to advancing the sweetpotato industry and agricultural excellence across North Carolina and beyond.

After graduating from North Carolina State University, Mr. Barnes returned to his family farm in Southern Nash County, where he transformed the business into a global exporter of sweetpotatoes. Under his leadership, Barnes Farming Corporation became one of the largest sweetpotato producers in the United States.

Mr. Barnes was recognized as a forward-thinking innovator within the state’s agribusiness community. He served on the N.C. State Board of Visitors and as President of the American Sweetpotato Marketing Institute. His leadership extended to roles with the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, Association of Agricultural Production Executives (AAPEX), and the Philip Morris Agricultural Development Program. He was also the co-founder of the N.C. State Executive Farm Management Program, a founding board member of the Tobacco Trust Fund, and an alumnus of the Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP).

Mr. Barnes is survived by his wife, North Carolina State Senator Lisa Barnes; their children, Bethany (Grayson) Allison, Josh (Rachel), and Jacy (Charlie); and four grandchildren; and his loving mother Maxine (Norman). Johnny’s son, Josh Barnes, will continue his father’s legacy by leading Barnes Farming Corporation and carrying forward his father’s vision for innovation and stewardship in agriculture.

Strickland Funeral Home in Louisburg, N.C., is serving the Barnes family.