Harold N. Barnes, known as "Barney", passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at his home in the Morganton community. Barney was born in Brewton, Alabama on April 18, 1932, one of the nine children of Richard and Alyne Murphy Barnes. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and began his career. He was chosen for Officer Candidate School and was trained as a carrier pilot. He later became a flight instructor, and reached the rank of Commander by his retirement in 1974. Barney and his wife Mary were married in Jacksonville, Florida on February 1, 1958. He is survived by Mary and their four children: Connie (Taylor) Walker, of Canton, Georgia; Carol (Charles) Nelson of Cartersville, Georgia; Cathy (Henry) Norman of Watkinsville, Georgia and Hal Barnes of New York. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Charlie and Nena Claire Nelson, Brian and Catherine Walker and Amelia and Mary Emma Norman. After retiring from the Navy, Barney and his family moved to Blue Ridge, Georgia. In 1988, he and Mary opened Surprise Valley Trout Farm. They became known in the area for their apple wood smoked trout and trout dip. He was a familiar face at the annual Harvest Sales and Merciers with his samples. One of Barneys proudest accomplishments was being one of the first members of the Fannin County Band Boosters and coordinating a car raffle to pay for the new band uniforms. An important part of all of his childrens high school years, he watched it grow and attended the annual Christmas concerts to hear the band play "Greensleeves". Barney was a member of Blue Ridge United Methodist Church and its mens group. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday March 30, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Doug Burrell officiating. Music will be provided by Elizabeth Hunt and the Barnes Family. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Taylor Walker, Charles Nelson, Henry Norman, Charlie Nelson, Brian Walker and Robert E. Barnes. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral hour of 2:00 p.m. Per Mr. Barnes request, he will be cremated following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 85 Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA is in charge of the arrangements. .