John Toxey Barnes, beloved spouse, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He was 83 years old.

Toxey was born in Columbia, MS, on March 30, 1941, to John Quitman Barnes and Maxie Pearl Miller. As the eldest of four children, he is remembered by his siblings as a man of many talents and outstanding character, sometimes serving as a substitute father when their father was away for work for long periods of time.

He met the love of his life, Rebecca Williamson, in their early teenage years, and they married in 1962, when he was a student at Ole Miss. Throughout their marriage, they remained wholly devoted to one another. They were truly best friends and partners in all things.

Toxey's career in construction took him and Rebecca to multiple states, where Toxey progressed from laborer to foreman to site manager to project manager and, finally, to estimating. Upon retirement, he was the Vice President of Estimating at Roy Anderson Corporation in Gulfport, MS. He was known for his fairness and honesty, his wise counsel, his attention to detail, and his passion for the construction process.

He was an avid Ole Miss sports fan, and he and Rebecca spent many happy years as season ticket holders to football games. For away games, all Saturday chores were to be completed by gametime. He loved playing golf, but he gave it up because he thought it took too much time away from his family. He also loved fishing, sharing this passion in turn with each grandson as they were added to the family.

Toxey was a natural teacher and leader. He served as the chair of the building committee at almost every church where he was a member. He served multiple churches and terms as a deacon, often chairing that body as well. He loved teaching Sunday School, particularly the books of Daniel and Revelation. He liked unpacking the Scripture verse by verse.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Rebecca Williamson Barnes; his children, Terry (Denise), Wendy Bradford (Evan), and Jill Buckley (Paul); his cherished grandchildren, Reed Bradford (Tess), Katherine Bradford Carr (Kevin), Zachary Lancon, Jonathan Barnes, Emily Barnes, and Benjamin Buckley; and, a great granddaughter, Quinn Carr. Toxey also leaves behind his brother, Rufus Quitman Barnes (Katherine), and sister, Carolyn Barnes Gerlach (Jim). He is preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Frances Robertson and her husband, Arthur Robertson.

Visitation will be held at Flowood Baptist Church in Flowood, MS, on Tuesday, August 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Wednesday, August 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The memorial service will immediately follow the Wednesday visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Flowood Baptist Church Building Fund or Stewpot Community Services in Jackson, MS. Toxey's legacy of love, faith, and dedication will live on through his beloved family and the many lives he touched.