Four Oaks, NC: Mr. Christopher George Barnes, age 54, of Strickland’s Crossroads passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Hood Memorial Christian Church in Dunn. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Chris was born on July 20, 1972 in Wayne County to Donnie George and Clara Dianne Massey Barnes. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jack Barnes and Ethel Capps and his maternal grandparents, Needham and Mavis Massey.

He was a man of deep Christian faith who loved God and loved people. Throughout his life, he devoted himself to serving others, mentoring those around him, and making a lasting difference in the lives of countless people.

His commitment to learning and helping others was reflected in his remarkable educational journey. He earned a Bachelors and Master’s of Divinity from Liberty University, a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and a PhD in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Through his work in nursing education, he became not only a teacher, but a mentor and encourager to many who followed in the profession. He was the assistant Professor of Nursing at UNC Pembroke as well as an ER Nurse at Johnston UNC Health in Smithfield. He served as a pastor within the Church of God of Prophecy and founder of Awaken Church in Mt. Olive.

Service was woven deeply into his life. He served on numerous boards and associations, including the Four Oaks Rescue Squad. He served as Treasurer of the Emergency Nurses Association and as a board member and past chairperson of the Benson Foundation for the Arts. In every role, he brought his compassion, dedication, and genuine desire to make his community and the lives of others better.

Perhaps his greatest legacy, however, was the people he touched. He mentored countless individuals in both their faith and their nursing careers, always willing to offer guidance, encouragement, wisdom, or simply a listening ear. He had a gift for making people feel valued and cared for. His friendship was a blessing to so many, and his presence left an impact that will continue through the lives of those he influenced.

He found joy in the simple and memorable things that made him who he was: a good cup of coffee, musical theater, Star Wars, and was an excellent cook, famous for his white chicken chili. He treasured his family and friends and cherished the relationships he built throughout his life.

He was truly one of a kind—a faithful servant, gifted educator, devoted family member, cherished friend, and mentor to so many. His life was one of purpose, compassion, and love. He touched countless lives and made an immeasurable impact on his family, his community, his students, his colleagues, and his friends.

He was loved deeply, and he will be deeply missed. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, every person he encouraged, and every heart he helped shape.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Elizabeth Horne Barnes; daughters, Allison Grey Barnes and Jacqueline Elizabeth Barnes; parents, Donnie and Dianne Barnes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jay and Lisa Horne; and many cousins and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Benson Foundation for the Arts at P.O. Box 335 Benson, NC 27504 or to Hood Memorial Christian Church at 300 E. Cumberland St. Dunn, NC 28334.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC.