William Thomas Barnes, Jr.

William Thomas “Billy” Barnes, Jr., of Dunkirk, Maryland joined our Heavenly Father on February 14, 2023. Born on January 28, 1952 in Washington, DC to the late William and Elizabeth Barnes, Billy grew up in Hillcrest Heights, MD and graduated from Potomac High School in 1970. After receiving his associates degree, Billy joined the Prince George’s County Police Department in December of 1972. During his tenure with the police department, he married his adoring wife, Joy, on February 4, 1978.

Serving in numerous capacities during his law enforcement career, he promoted to corporal and boastfully lead many volunteer operations with the Christmas in April program. He was revered as an articulate and dedicated officer assigned to District IV in Oxon Hill. His fellow officers consistently described Billy as a trustworthy partner, reliable, innovative, intuitive and fast on his feet. In February 1988, Billy moved his family to the beautiful and vast landscapes of Calvert County where he would continue to raise his family. When Billy wasn’t at work, he was an avid member of Smithville UMC’s softball team. Billy retired from Prince George’s County Police Department in July 1994, having received several accommodations during his tenure.

As an active and young retiree, he expanded his new found passion of “pet sitting” in northern Calvert. Combining his interest of Norse mythology and new profession, he appropriately named his business venture “Valkyrie’s Professional Pet/House Sitting”. He continued this business venture until the untimely passing of his wife in June, 2011. Billy remained loyal as an active member in the community and continued his membership with his church.

When Billy fully retired, he became a helping hand at a local farm and spearheaded numerous activities at his church with friends. Until his departure, you could always find him manicuring his lawn, volunteering, traveling, fishing at local ponds, kayaking with friends, hiking, assisting at the voting polls and any activity that entailed being outside. Above all, he was a dedicated friend, son, nephew, father, uncle and grandfather who was the adhesive of our widely-spread family and will be desperately missed by everyone who knew him.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Valkyrie Finamore (Charles); his grandson, Brody Finamore; his partner, Wanda Miller; brother in law, William Sanford (Nancy); nephew Eric Sanford (Cassie); niece Amy Racher (Tyler) and numerous other family members, neighbors and friends.. He was predeceased by his adoring and faithful wife, Joy Barnes, and his sister, Patricia Sanford. 

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