Edward Alan Barnes, age 72, of Siler City, NC, passed away on June 24, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born on August 8, 1953, in Philadelphia, PA, Ed was the son of the late Anna and Wayne Barnes. He grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he was a beloved brother to his brother and two sisters. A 1971 graduate of Cherry Hill High School West, Ed went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University. His lifelong love of nature and the outdoors guided him into a career as a professional commercial land surveyor, a field where he found both purpose and joy.

Ed was happiest outside. He spent winters skiing and summers swimming, embracing every season with enthusiasm. In his later years, he found simple delight in flying kites at one of his favorite parks or settling in with a good historical crime novel. He was also a devoted fan of The Grateful Dead; a band whose music matched his free‑spirited nature and love of living life on his own terms. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you were his friend for life.

Ed is survived by his sister Linda (Barnes) Riva, and her son Tony Riva and Tony’s three children; his brother David Barnes and daughter Lindsey Barnes; and his sister Carol (Barnes) Cheslak and her husband Tom Cheslak. He also leaves behind two of his closest lifelong friends: his childhood friend David Finch, and his college roommate Rick Carman, along with Rick’s wife Kim and their two children, Ashley and Andrew. Their friendship was one of the great constants of Ed’s life.

To honor Ed’s memory, donations may be made to the North Carolina State University Alumni Association.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Barnes family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com