Obituary: Robert Gregory “Greg” Barnes
Robert Gregory “Greg” Barnes, affectionately known to many as “Pistol Pete,” passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, at the age of 65 surrounded by his family.
Born in Jackson, Tennessee, on May 10, 1961, Greg was a lifelong resident of Hornsby, a community he loved and where he rooted his entire life. Greg was known for his warm heart, vibrant personality, and an infectious sense of humor. He was a funny joker who was always finding fun and bringing joy wherever he went, leaving a trail of laughter with everyone he met. Greg truly always found the good in people. He lived by the principle of treating everyone with respect, and he deeply instilled in his children to always treat everyone with absolute kindness, regardless of what they can or cannot do for you.
At the very center of Greg’s world was his family, whom he cherished above all else. He married his lifelong sweetheart, Lily, and together they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Ginia, Clint, and Katiellen. Greg was an incredibly proud father, celebrating his children and all of their accomplishments with deep love and devotion.
While he was a devoted husband and father, Greg found a unique joy later in life as a grandfather. Known adoringly as “Pop” to his grandchildren—Ryder, Ridge, Brooks, and Landry—they were truly the apple of his eye. Greg made sure to spend time with his wife, his kids, and his grandkids every single day, completely wrapping his life around the ones he loved.
Greg was a man who loved his country and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time outdoors and riding his side-by-side. An avid sports fan, he loved all types of sports, but the Tennessee Volunteers and the New York Yankees held a special place in his heart. More than anything, he loved being at the ballfield, finding immense joy in watching his son and later his grandsons play the game of baseball.
His love for people was also clear in his dedicated career at Nutrien, where he truly loved helping area farmers and deeply valued the lifelong relationships and friendships he built along the way.
Chapel services were 1 pm Friday, October 2, 2026, at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar with burial in Wyatt Cemetery in Hornsby.
Above all, Greg loved the Lord and was a faithful, lifelong member of Hornsby Baptist Church. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he always instilled in his children that accepting the Lord as their Savior would be the most important decision they ever made in their lives—and the most important decision they could, in turn, instill in the lives of his beloved grandkids.
Greg is survived by his beloved wife, Lily; his children, Ginia (husband, Ben), Clint, and Katiellen (husband, Josh); his grandchildren, Ryder, Ridge, Brooks, and Landry; his mother, Hugholene Barnes; and his siblings: sister, Jennifer (husband, Paul), and his brothers, Jeff (wife, April) and Gary (wife, Tara); his sister-in-law, Amber (husband, Ricky); and his brother-in-law, David (wife, Sherry). He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Dean “Bobby” Barnes, his in laws, Guy and Bobbie Jean Dorris, his sister-in-law, Scarlett Sipes, and his brother-in-law, Guy Dorris. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to the Tyler Bomar and Kasey Kessler Scholarship Fund or Hornsby Baptist Church.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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