Ray Barnes, often known as “Mr. Indeed” was gregarious, full of life, fun spirited and controversial and he worked until his retirement from the State of Pennsylvania Human Relations. Barnes died on Jan. 20. He was 83.

Barnes was born on November 8, 1928 in Sunbury, N.C. He was one of five children born to George and Icer Barnes. He moved to Philadelphia at the age of 13 and completed his education at West Philadelphia High School.

He entered the United States Armed Forces after high school, and from there attended Lincoln University. While in attendance at Lincoln, he joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1948. He graduated from Lincoln in 1950. He then went to work for the State of Pennsylvania Human Relations department.

In 1954, he married Marty Powell. They had twin boys, Ivan and Irvin.

“He was just a remarkable guy. He really gave my brother and I a sense of integrity and strength,” said Irvin Barnes.

Over the past several years, he had been involved in numerous civic and community activities. He was steadfast in his commitment to his faith, family, friends, Lincoln University and Kappa Alpha Psi. When seen in the community wearing Lincoln University and Kappa paraphernalia, he would respond with “Indeed!”

His family said that Barnes loved to barbecue ribs and burgers on the grill. He was a devoted husband and father and spoke proudly of his children.

Barnes leaves to mourn: wife, Mary Barnes; two sons, Ivan and Irvin Barnes; granddaughter, Attiyya; daughter-in-law, Marlene Barnes; as well as a host of nephews, nieces and friends.

Services were held on January 28. Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.