Throughout June, we’ll be highlighting the men and boys whose stories, milestones, and presence continue to leave a mark on our family and community.
As we celebrate Father’s Day and reflect upon the meaning of Juneteenth—a day that reminds us of freedom, perseverance, faith, and the enduring strength of family—we pause to honor a remarkable man whose life embodies these values every day: Fitzgerald Barnes, affectionately known as “Fitz” or simply “Cuz.”
Born to Bruce “Fat” Barnes and Lillie Barnes, Fitz’s roots run deep in the rich and fertile soil of Courtland, Virginia, and Southampton County. Raised among family, faith, and community, he learned early the values that would guide him throughout his life: service, integrity, hard work, loyalty, and love. He is the grandson of Lee Harvey Barnes and Jody Barrow.
A proud graduate of Southampton High School’s Class of 1982, Fitz answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he attended Virginia State University, majoring in Agriculture. While there, he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, strengthening his lifelong commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and uplift.
He shared a loving marriage with the late Susan Jones Barnes, and from their union came their beloved daughter, Gabrielle Barnes.
To know Fitz is to love him. His booming voice fills a room with warmth, laughter, connection, and joy. Whether at a family gathering, church event, fraternity function, community meeting, or around a grill preparing one of his legendary meals, Fitz has a gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated.
Known throughout Virginia for his exceptional catering and grilling skills, he understands that food is more than nourishment—it is fellowship, community, and love shared around a table.
In a historic achievement, Fitz became the first African American elected to the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, first taking office in 1998. He continues to serve the Patrick Henry District today while also serving as Coordinator of Special Needs Transportation for Louisa County Public Schools.
Even in his youth, Fitz was an active member of Bryant Baptist Church in Courtland, Virginia. The values of faith, compassion, and service remain evident in how he lives each day. He lifts others up not for recognition, but because he believes it is simply the right thing to do.
As a member of the Executive Committee of the Barnes-Blow Family Reunion, he helps preserve and strengthen the bonds that connect generations of our family.
On this Father’s Day and Juneteenth, we celebrate a Marine, a father, a public servant, a brother of Omega Psi Phi, a man of faith, a community leader, and a devoted family man.
Fitz, your family loves you. Your community respects you. Your fraternity brothers honor you. The Barnes-Blow Family proudly celebrates your life, your accomplishments, your service, and your example.
Happy Father’s Day. Happy Juneteenth.
With love, admiration, and gratitude,
The Barnes-Blow Family
Pearl for the Day
The greatest legacy is not measured by titles earned or positions held, but by the lives touched, the family strengthened, and the community uplifted through a lifetime of faithful service.
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