April 4, 1945 — Feb. 8, 2020

Joseph Barnes Sr., 74, of Niles, passed away at his home on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020.

Joe was born on April 4, 1945, in Shaw, Mississippi, to the late Clarence and Wyona (Thompson) Barnes.

He grew up alongside his 11 siblings.

At the age of 15, he moved to Covert, Michigan, with his mother and siblings. In his early 30’s he became a Marshall in the Masons.

On Oct. 6, 1978, Joseph married the love of his life, Sheryl Vanessa Dixon, at a ceremony in Niles. They settled down and raised their family of four, which grew to include 12 grandchildren. “He’s a good provider” was often said by his wife’s late Aunt Candy.

Joe loved to make money, spend it and eat. He had a long career as a welder fabricator, mechanic and auto-body repairman.

In his spare time, he was all about BBQ, which led him into opening Smokin’ Joe’s and considered himself the “King of Ribs.” Joe fed thousands of people and left an imprint on the lives he encountered on a daily basis. As a result of two car accidents, Joe had to retire in 2009.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Clarence (Audrey), who passed on the same day, as well as Willie and Robert Barnes; sisters, Virgie Barnes, Elnora (Leroy) Foster, Annie (John) Davis and Pearlie (Charles) Gray.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Sheryl Barnes, of Niles; children, Seminar Dixon-Thompson, of Niles, Stacy Dixon, of Niles, Joseph Barnes II, of Niles, and Shani (Dennis) Kirtdoll, of Niles.

He was the devoted grandfather to grandchildren, Leo, Mechayla, Todd, Stacy, Jermond, Tevin, Endyia, Legend, Adriana, Lynix, Xavion and Destyn; goddaughters, Shontielle Marsh Pagel (Tobias) and Jennifer White.

He will also be missed by his brothers, Charles and J.B. (Antonite) Barnes; sisters, Maggie (Jose) Lee and Ruby Tinsley; and a host of close friends and relatives.

Services to honor Joseph’s life will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, at the Niles Philadelphia Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

A time of visitation will begin at 11 a.m., also at the church. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memories, photos and condolences may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.