Charles Albert Barnes III

Charles A. "Chuck" Barnes, III passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at StoryPoint Assisted Living in Johnson City, Tennessee, at the age of 89.

Chuck was born on July 2, 1936, in Evanston, Illinois, to Charles A. Barnes, II and Sara Gale Barnes. He spent his early childhood in Evanston while his father served in World War II. Following the war, his family relocated to Plainfield, New Jersey. He attended Syracuse University, where he was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity, and later served as a Corpsman in the United States Naval Reserves.

On April 14, 1962, he married the love of his life, Jean Ann Straka, with whom he shared nearly 64 years of marriage. Chuck began his career in the lumber and insurance industries in Connecticut. In 1969, he and his family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he built a successful career in mortgage brokerage, real estate, and property management. Upon retiring in 1998, Chuck and Jean moved to Johnson City, Tennessee, to be closer to their children.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gale B. Schlitt of Jasper, Alabama.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jean S. Barnes; his son, Charles E. "Curt" Barnes (Beth) of Johnson City, Tennessee; his daughter, Karen B. Drury (Kevin) of Canton, North Carolina; and five grandchildren: Emily A. Buxton (Grey) of Jacksonville, North Carolina; David A. Barnes (Abby) of Casselberry, Florida; Megan E. Barnes of Johnson City, Tennessee; Trevor J. Oakes of Clemson, South Carolina; and Luke E. Barnes of Los Angeles, California.

Chuck was a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He found great joy in working in his yard and taking on home projects. He maintained a well-equipped workshop and took pride in crafting toys, tools, and furniture for his family and friends. He also dearly loved his dog, Sophie, who passed shortly before he did.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Children's Hospitals, or Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.