Stevie Barnes

“What a day, a glorious day, that will be!” 

Stevie Leon Barnes, 55, a lifelong, well-loved resident of Chalybeate and husband, son, brother, father, Pop, and friend to many, entered his eternal home on August 2, 2023. He was born July 4, 1968, at the Tippah County Hospital to Donald Leon and Kathy Bates Barnes. 

Services will be conducted 12 Noon Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Ripley Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at Union Cemetery in Chalybeate.  Terrell Gatewood and Craig Chandler will officiate. Patrick Chapman will conduct the graveside service.

Stevie loved life and lived a full life that included his family, extended family, and friends. At the time of his passing, he was a faithful employee of the Caterpillar Corporation for the past 33 years.  He was a 1986 graduate of Walnut High School.  He then completed studies at NEMCC in Tool and Die.  He was a Christian and a member of Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church.

Stevie is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 33 years, Kelli Chandler Barnes of Chalybeate; his parents, and two loving and adored children: Katie (Ryan) Gatewood and Cade (Erin) Barnes; the sparkle and motivation of his eye, was two grandchildren: Magnolia Mae “Maggie” Gatewood, and Milligan “Mig” Mercer Gatewood; one brother, Scotty Barnes (Shane Waldrop) of Memphis, TN.

He is also survived by his much-loved in-laws, Mickey and Gail Chandler; sister-in-law Amy Alison (Scott) Chapman; brother-in-law, Craig Chandler (Micah); and nieces and nephew:  Eva Rae and Alison Abernathy, Elijah Chapman, Riley Jean (Jackson) Turner; Kara, Cassidy, and Carson Chandler.

There will be a visitation of family and friends at the Ripley Funeral Home on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and then Saturday from 10 until the time of service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Inman, Byron Wegmann, Billy Lee Towery, Paul Ward, Bradley Watson, and Scott Chapman.

Stevie loved Chalybeate School where he was known around campus as Pop.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalybate school at  2471 Hwy 354 Walnut, MS 38683.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stevie Barnes, please visit our floral store.