It is with profound sadness that we share the earthly departure of Gregory Lee Barnes, age 73, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at his home in Lumberton, NC. Surrounded by his loving family and friends in his final moments at his home, including his beloved cameraman of 20 years, Fred Heggs, who was like a brother to him. Greg was a man of immense integrity, humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones.
Greg was born January 26, 1951 in Lumberton, North Carolina to Dr. Oscar Lee Barnes and Daisy Hines Barnes, who preceded him in death. He married his high school sweetheart, Lynne Page Champion, at First Presbyterian Church Lumberton, NC and they settled in Robeson County where they raised their two children.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lynne Barnes. Mr. Barnes leaves two children to cherish his lifelong memories and service to others: Heather Barnes Barker and husband, Tom Barker of Clayton, NC and Joshua Lee Barnes of Lumberton, NC. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Camerin Hines Copley, Catherine Page Copley, Rylan G. Barker, and Jayce W. Barker, all of Clayton, NC, and Bryce J. Barker and wife, Paola of Clovis, New Mexico; one sister, Beverly Barnes Lee, and husband, Dennis Lee of Harrisburg, NC; his mother-in-law, Page Weathersby Champion of Raleigh, NC; two special sisters-in-law, Cheryle Champion Beezley and husband, Dr. William Beezley of Raleigh, NC and Joye Champion Tolley of Apex, NC; along with one special brother-in-law, Doug Champion and wife, Jennifer, who reside in New Bern, NC. Mr. Barnes also leaves a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Greg’s love of radio and television started at a young age. He began his first on-air radio newscaster job at the age of 15 at AM Station, WAGR in Lumberton, NC. From there, he held various positions at local radio stations around the area; WLNC Laurinburg, NC followed by WTSB in Lumberton, NC, WFMO in Fairmont, NC and WFLB in Fayetteville, NC. From there, his love of radio grew into a passion for television news reporting. He got his first anchor position at WECT-TV 6 in Wilmington, NC in 1981. In 1983, Greg joined ABC 11 Eyewitness News, where he opened and operated the station’s Fayetteville News Bureau for close to 35 years where he could be seen reporting in his boots. He retired from ABC 11 in August 2017.
He might be best known for his love of “reporting live” along the NC coast during Hurricane Season. He had no fear of braving the raging winds and pelting rain to bring his viewers an up-close account of the storms hitting the state to the comforts of our living rooms. He was passionate about the annual ABC 11 NC Food Drive and loved to be able to say, “Fill that truck.”
When asked what his most favorite stories that he reported on, he stated, “All the homecomings out at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), NC. You can not beat that, for the joy, and love and tears of happiness; it just warms your heart to see these heroes march back into Fort Bragg (Fort Liberty), NC and there is all their kids and families just cheering and screaming and having a good time.”
A huge thank you to his loyal viewers for voting him as “Best Local TV Network Personality” many times throughout his career with ABC 11.
Over the course of his distinguished television career, he had the opportunity to reach and impact the Fayetteville and surrounding communities he loved and served. In 1993, he was a recipient of the Associated Press’s “Roy Hardee” Award. His career earned him an Associated Press Recognition award for his work on the murder trials of Michael Jordan’s father, James Jordan. Viewers still catch a glimpse of him on TV for various true crime documentaries that occurred in the local area that he reported on.
He has received citations for his work with various civic and social groups. Greg has also received Military merit and achievement awards for coverage of the 82nd airborne troops deployment to Panama and the Persian Gulf.
His profession brought him great joy and the opportunity to meet people and tell their stories. He never shied away from a stranger, or a photo opt with his loyal viewers when they stopped him around town. On earth he loved meeting people and on May 29, 2024 that love continued when he met his Savior face to face.
A Celebration of Life in honor of his homegoing will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 10:00 AM until noon at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare at 206 Warrior Trail, Whiteville, NC 28472.
The family is grateful for the kind and caring support of Greg from staff Cori, Sam, and Kenny and management of Native Angels and all the staff at Lower Cape Fear Hospice which allowed him to pass peacefully in his home.
