SSGT. (Ret.) Johnnie O Starnes

Johnnie O. Starnes, 89, passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Born in Aiken, SC, on August 29, 1929, he was a son to the late Etheridge Starnes and Arnie Cleo Jackson Starnes. Mr. Starnes had 11 sisters and a brother.

He was married 67 years to Bessie Evelyn Starnes, who passed away in May 2018. He is survived by three daughters; Gwenn Starnes Lee, Phyllis Starnes Grandy, and Darlene Starnes Worthy; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and three sisters. In addition to his parents and loving wife, he was preceded in death by 5 children; Wendell Curtis, Eugene, Stanley H. Starnes, and two other angels; 8 sisters; his brother; sons-in-law; John Wayne Grandy, and Wallace Worthy; grandson-in-law Brantley Brower.

Mr. Starnes retired from the Air Force after 21 years of proudly serving our country. He served his country in many wonderful locations from Germany to Alaska and everywhere in between. He also retired from Carolina Eastman and AT&T/Nassau Metals.

A member of Gantt Baptist Church, Mr. Starnes enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved gardening and sharing his harvest with others. Mr. Starnes was an avid singer, musician, and song writer. His greatest hobby of all was spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He financed many ice cream cones and trips to the mountains and beach each year.

A funeral service for Mr. Starnes will be held 1 pm, Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel. Interment will follow at Lybrand-Rikard Cemetery on Mineral Springs Rd., Lexington, SC. The family will greet friends Friday, January 4, 2019 from 5 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Friends may also call on the family at the family home in Gaston, SC.

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