Melver Raymond Barnes

Melver Raymond Barnes, 88, of Magnolia Gardens, Spencer, formerly of Swicegood Road in Linwood, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, at Rowan Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. A private memorial service will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington. Private burial will be in Forest Hill Memorial Park. Mr. Barnes was born Nov. 15, 1917, in Rowan County to Oscar Lester Barnes and Sarah Albertine Rowe Barnes. He was a member of Churchland Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in World War II. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina Class of 1947 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. After his retirement from civil service as a chemist he dedicated his life to scientific studies, research and writing, for which he received awards and recognition. He received an honorary doctorate for his research after his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Oscar "Guy" Barnes; and a sister, Edith B. Koontz. Surviving are two brothers, Carl Barnes of Tyro and Dewey Barnes of Salisbury; one sister, Virginia Sink of Lexington; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday prior to the memorial service.