On Saturday, January 28, 2012, Francis Michael Barnes, also known affectionately as "Spot," 53 of Hollywood, MD, peacefully answered the Lord's call to come home to Glory. Francis was born October 10, 1958 in Leonardtown, MD, the last of five children born to the late Emmett Hamilton Barnes and Agnes Hortense Hebb Barnes.

Francis received his elementary and secondary education in the St. Mary's County Schools of Benjamin Banneker Elementary, Leonardtown Middle and Chopticon High School. Francis graduated in the Class of 1976 from Chopticon High. He also attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. For many years, Francis was employed with the U.S. Government, where he worked with the U.S. Bureau of Public Debt as an account technician.

Francis enjoyed sports. In his early days, Francis played youth league baseball on several teams in St. Mary's County. Francis' two favorite positions were pitching and shortstop. As an adult, Francis switched to playing softball. He played softball with various teams in his hometown as well as in Washington, D.C. When Francis' job relocated to West Virginia, Francis began his career as an umpire and started officiating softball games in West Virginia. Francis had a hearing problem but some of you who had your games officiated by him probably thought he needed glasses too.

Francis also loved to fish, cook, and party. Francis was an avid Oakland Raiders fan, much to the dismay of his three brothers who rooted for the Washington Redskins. But one of Francis' favorite pastimes was gardening, which he inherited from his Dad. Each year, Francis planted and harvested a wide variety of vegetables and herbs that he shared with family and friends. Most summer days and late in the fall when he wasn't at a family function, a softball game or in the community, you could find Francis in his garden.

Francis is survived by his mother Agnes Hortense Hebb Barnes; his two children: Myia Washington and Davarea Barnes; his brothers: William (Rosetta) Newport News, VA; Emmett Roanoke Rapids, NC; and, James (Joyce) Lanham, MD.

Francis also leaves to cherish his memory: his Godfather and Uncle Francis X. Hebb; Godson and Nephew Jason Henry Matthews; Goddaughter Janiqua Robinson; Nieces: Shena Matthews and Monique Barnes; Nephews: Marvin Lawrence, Eric Barnes, Shawn Barnes, Ryan Barnes; Grandnephews Daquan Barnes and C.J. Lawrence. A void will be left in the hearts of many of Francis' friends and family members, especially a very special friend Angela Jordan; his very special cousins: Lisa Thomas, Mary Catherine Thomas, Karen Wilson, Maurice Robinson, Charles Barnes, Tom Hebb, Peter Hebb, Brian Hebb, and Larry Fenwick; his Aunts: Mary Gough, Linda Dyson (Preston), Ella Robinson, Joyce Barnes; and, his Uncle Joseph (Mary).

In addition to his father, Francis was preceded in death by his sister Lucy Barnes Matthews.

Family will receive friends on Friday, February 3, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in St. Aloysius Church, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend John Dakes at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Luke 6:37