PORT GIBSON — Dr. Roy Maxwell Barnes died in Claiborne County Nursing Center on Feb. 20, 2012, in Port Gibson. He was 86.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rea Curle Barnes of Port Gibson; his parents, George McMasters Barnes and Jane Spencer Barnes of Belzoni; as well as his brother, Dr. George Spencer Barnes of Columbus.

Survivors include his daughter, Beverly Pyron and her husband, Billy Pyron, of Natchez; daughter, Brenda McCaa and her husband, Percy McCaa, of Port Gibson; and son, Barry Barnes and his wife, Terri Barnes, of Yazoo City. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Kelley Ledbetter, Danielle Pepper, Bradley McCaa, Trent McCaa, Peyton Barnes and Reid Latham Barnes; and four great-grandchildren, Henley Ledbetter, Olivia Kate Pepper, Jude Pepper and Emily Rea McCaa.

On Aug. 1, 1925, Roy Maxwell Barnes was born in McComb to Dr. George McMasters Barnes and Jane Spencer Barnes. Roy’s family soon moved to Belzoni, where he fondly recalled spending much of his youth playing with childhood friends, helping his father in their garden and singing in the Presbyterian children’s choir. As a teenager, he attended Belzoni High School, where he excelled at both academics and varsity sports. Specifically, he participated in track and field events such as shot put and discus, as well as playing football.

Upon graduating high school in 1942, Roy began his undergraduate education at Mississippi State University. In 1946, during his junior year at State, he joined the Navy and served in the Medical Corps for 18 months in the Philippines. After graduation from Mississippi State, he continued his formal medical training at Ole Miss and completed medical school at Indiana University in 1949. It was during this time that he began to date his future wife, Maggie Rea Curle.

In July 1950, Roy and Rea married. The newlyweds then moved to Birmingham, where Roy completed his residency at the University of Alabama. Upon completion of the program, they moved to Marion, La., for a short time before relocating to Port Gibson in October 1953. It was here in Port Gibson where they decided to stay, raise a family and open a general practice. Soon thereafter, Roy, or Dr. Barnes as he was known by his patients, opened his own office and began serving his community.

Roy always enjoyed spending his free time playing golf, working in the yard and attending Ole Miss football games. Some of his other favorite things were spending time with his family, the color red, Reese’s peanut butter cups and El Producto cigars. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom he was known as “Daddy Doc.”

His many accomplishments include: being a member of Claiborne County Hospital staff for 53 years, a chief of staff there for 12 years, a member of the hospital board of directors, a member of Port Gibson United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir, a board member of Mosswood Country Club and a member of the Mississippi State Medical Association.

Dr. Barnes diligently served residents of Port Gibson and the Claiborne County area for 53 years until retiring in November 2006. Throughout his life he remained an active and well-respected pillar of the community.

Visitation will be from 1 until 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at Port Gibson United Methodist Church. His funeral service will begin following visitation at 3.

Active pallbearers will be Bradley McCaa, Trent McCaa, Peyton Barnes, Reid Latham Barnes, Dr. David Headley and Mott Headley Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Burnice Trevilion, Henry Marx, Mott Headley, Dr. E.G. Ellis and Billy Key Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Port Gibson United Methodist Church.

Glenwood Funeral Home in Port Gibson has charge of arrangements.