Thomas Rudolph Barnes, Sr. ,73 of Drayden, MD, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 8,1944 in Valley Lee, MD to the late Alvin Rudolph and Agnes Neoma (Saxon)Barnes. He was the oldest of five children. Thomas married Wilma Jean Watkins on October 27, 1962 at St. George Catholic Church by Father Decker. She was the sparkle in his eyes and the love of his life for 55 years. From this union he was the proud father of two children, Regina LaVette and Thomas Rudolph, Jr. Thomas, also known as Tom, Tommy, Uncle Tom, Pop Pop, and Dad by his family and friends, was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. He was educated in St. Peter Elementary and Cardinal Gibbons Institute where he was a member of the drum and bugle corp.
In his early years, Thomas moved to Washington, DC, where he worked for PMI Parking Garage and Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission. Upon returning to St. Mary’s County he started his own business, T.R. Barnes Hauling & Septic, driving his dump truck he called “Bessie” while also working for Stuart Petroleum Company for 25 years until his health forced him to retire.
He enjoyed and loved being on the water. One of his favorite pastimes was going fishing on his boat with his buddies, Dave and Dennis. He often went camping with his family and in the winter, you could find him out hunting or on the water dredging for oysters. When he was not fussing about the Redskins not winning games, Thomas enjoyed listening to his gospel music, especially The Canton Spirituals. He got the most enjoyment when he was with his family at Budds Creek on the racetrack driving his 69 Impala. In his later years he enjoyed going to the track to watch his daughter, son and grandson drive. He was so excited when his picture was featured in the Super Chevy Magazine. While at the track he could be found bossing John Williams, Francis Carter, JoJo Young and Wendell Carter around about how they were driving his golf cart or asking Freddy Parker if he knew what he was doing under the hood of the car. When Thomas would get hungry at the track, he would send Stevie Maddox around to find out what Ursula and Marvin had cooking on their grill.
Thomas loved his family dearly and looked forward to family gatherings. He would call his sister, Linda and always ask her to make her famous bread pudding and pound cake, even though he didn’t need it. Knowing that her brother wanted it she would spoil him and make it. During family gatherings he loved joking and laughing with Bernard and Pat about what he would be eating. His girls Pud (Imané) and Jazzy could always be found waiting on him hand and foot. Thomas loved to talk on the phone daily and would often call his LynLyn to have her look online for something that he had spotted on a cooking channel or infomercial. He got a kick out of hearing from his granddaughter, Danielle and her telling him that he was mess. When Thomas fell ill, his biggest wish and motivation was that he needed to get well so he could go back home to see his boys, Isaiah and Reece. They meant the world to him and brought him so much joy!
Thomas is predeceased by his parents, his grandparents, John and Grace Barnes, John and Alberta Saxon; father and mother-in-law, James and Corine Watkins; brother, Paul Francis Barnes; brothers-in-law, Joseph Johnson, Clarence Ferrell, Clarence Watkins Sr., Ennis Watkins, James Watkins, Robert Watkins; two sisters-in-law, Lois Ferrell and Ruth Watkins and grandson, Kurtis Stepney Jr.
Thomas leaves behind to rejoice in his homegoing and to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Jean; two children, Regina LaVette Hamm- Scott, Thomas Rudolph Barnes Jr (Chanel) and a very special son, Derrick DWayne Barnes (Crystal). Thomas is survived by one sister, Linda T. Johnson; two brothers, John A. Barnes and William B. Barnes (Patricia); six sisters-in-law, Cornelia Mason, Doris Hutcherson, Emma Watkins, Elizabeth Barnes, Jeanette Watkins, Veronica McCants(William); 10 grandchildren, Danielle, Keva, RhoLynda (Carl), Latoyia, Thomas III, Imané, Jasmine, Tyonna, and Taleigha; 12 great-grandchildren, JaMalachi, Alayna, Ma-Kayla, Kaysyra, Malyia, Dylon, Thomas IV, Kurtis, Zyaira, Isaiah, Reece, and Naomi; his loving aunts, Barbara Jean Hall (John), Mary Jones, Margaree Bethea; three special nephews, who lived with him and he called his boys, Clarence Watkins (Charlene), Gerald Watkins (Rhonda) Jimmy Barnes; his true buddies and lifelong friends, Bernard Thompson(Vernette), David Smith, Dennis Ford, Robert Glasper(Doris) and a close cousin, Thomas Saxon (Ruby); his son-in- law, Roland Carter and cousin, Steve Maddox, who were two special men that Thomas could count on day or night, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Thomas could truly light up a room and he was loved by all who knew him. He will be truly missed.
Family and friends will unite on Friday, January 26, 2018 for visitation at 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. George’s Catholic Church, 19199 St. George’s Road, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Interment to follow at St. George’s Church Cemetery.
