Eric Barnes, 53, of Moultrie, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 31, 2026. He was born in Valdosta on September 21, 1972, to the late Henry “Chummy” Edwin Barnes and Barbara Jane Radney Barnes.

Eric grew up in Brooks and graduated from Brooks County High School in 1991, where he played baseball for the Trojans. He developed a love for farming and working outdoors at an early age. He began working for Franky Sapp Farms while in high school and continued there for a decade. He then began working for Reames Construction as a heavy equipment operator, where he worked for more than 20 years.

Eric loved his family and was known to his friends as “Fluff” or “Cotton” and to his family as “Grumps.” He was devoted to his children and grandchildren.

He loved all outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing, working, or simply being in the woods.

Eric is survived by his daughter, Radney Barnes (Tyler Mullis) of Millwood, GA; his son and daughter-in-law, Tristan and Savannah Sanders of Hahira; his mother and stepfather, Barbara Barnes and Clifford Broadwell of Morven; his sister, Allison Hope Barnes (Jason) of Morven; his grandchildren, Ellie Barnes, Finley “George” Barnes, Margaret Mullis, Case Mullis, and Tucker Sanders; special friends David and Misty Croft of Berlin, GA; his beloved canine companion, “Peanut”; and many other friends and family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chummy Barnes.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. at Martin McLane Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Martin McLane Funeral Home, with Mr. James Exum officiating. Burial will follow at Campground Cemetery.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Martin McLane Funeral Home is serving the Barnes family.