John Barnwell, Jr.

Obituary For John Barnwell, Jr.

John Barnwell, Jr., age 79, of Willingboro, NJ, died on May 23, 2024 at Capital Health Regional Medical Center (Fuld campus) in Trenton, NJ.

Born in Ridgeland, S.C. to his parents, the late John Barnwell, Sr. and Earnestine Barnwell (nee Walden). He attended North District Training School in Varnville, S.C. relocating to Yardville, NJ. As a teenager, he worked for Young Funeral Home in Yemassee, SC alongside his father and the Young Family.

John and Barbara Starr had three daughters, Ivy Barnwell, Iris Barnwell-Heads, and Indra Barnwell. He previously worked as a Diesel Heavy Equipment Mechanic at Lehigh Hanson Inc. (formerly Better Materials Corporation) in Penns Park, PA.

John enjoyed working on car engines, going to race tracks, racing cars, building race car engines, cooking and barbecuing with friends and family, especially with his special BBQ sauce.

He was a dedicated member of the Elks Lodge, including the Pride of Trenton and Witherspoon Elks Lodge 178. With the Elks, he served as Past Grand, Antler Guard, and Security.

He was preceded in death by his parents John Barnwell, Sr. and Earnestine Barnwell; sister, Doris Nadine Tatum, brothers-in-law, Harry Doctor, Sr. and Melvin Hearn; sisters-in-law, Linda Gray Barnwell, Judonna Sykes Barnwell, and Barbara Jones-Barnwell; and adopted brother, Robert “BT” Thomas.

John is survived by his three children, Ivy Barnwell, Iris Barnwell-Heads, and Indra Barnwell; eight grandchildren: Zania Barnwell, Romello Parler, Yasmin Heads, La’Teah Heads, La-Nya McKeller, Thomas Heads, Jr., Isaiah Barnwell Fernandez, and Isaac Barnwell Fernandez; sisters, Claudia Littles-Hearn (whom was also his devoted caregiver), Mary A. Doctor, and Elizabeth J. Barnwell; brothers, Eddie O. Barnwell and Milton J. Barnwell; godson, Brian Johnson; special and devoted cousin, Rudene Williams; special friend, Barbara Starr; very special caregiver, Linda Cresta (Burlington County VNA); caregiver, Sue Longon (Burlington County VNA); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm in the Wilkerson Missionary Baptist Church, 21424 Pocotaligo Road, Early Branch, SC 29916.

Funeral service: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 1:00 pm in the Wilkerson Missionary Baptist Church, Early Branch, SC. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

LIVE STREAMED: WWW.FACEBOOK/WILLA YOUNG OR YOUNG FUNERAL HOME