Swindell Wayne Barnes

Swindell Wayne Barnes, 90, of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor Swindell’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 22nd at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Brother Bob Lowery. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service.

Born on February 18, 1935, in Nashville, NC, Swindell was the cherished son of the late Johnny and Berta Barnes. His legacy is marked by his honorable service of 12 years in the United States Air Force, where he proudly upheld the values of duty and patriotism.

While Swindell was a man of many talents and interests, his heart truly belonged to the culinary world. He created lasting connections within the community through his ownership of several beloved establishments, including Captains Choice on Harkers Island, Beaufort House Restaurant, and the Eldorado Restaurant in Atlantic Beach. Known for his commitment to serving exceptional local dishes, Swindell took pride in offering not just amazing food but a warm and welcoming experience to every patron. His signature greeting, a handshake at the door, endeared him to all who crossed his path.

An avid antique car enthusiast, Swindell founded the Morehead Chapter of the Antique Car Club where he remained an active member for many years. His adventurous spirit, which he was quite proud of, led him on countless trips, whether on the road or in the great outdoors where he loved to hunt and fish. Diving was another of Swindell’s interests, a notable highlight of his life was the incredible achievement of diving at the Great Barrier Reef at the age of 77.

Above all, Swindell treasured his family, which served as the cornerstone of his life. He will be lovingly remembered as a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his daughter, Sherry Lynn Peel (Kevin); son, Mark Wayne Barnes (Janet); sister, Pat McIntyre; grandchildren, Caitlin Peel, Zachary Barnes and Norman Peel (Kathryn); and great grandchildren, Savannah Michelle Barnes, Annie-Jean Barnes, Jameson Thomas Peel and Kally Ann Peel.

In addition to his parents, Swindell was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Annie Ruth Brantley Barnes; and his siblings, Jerry Barnes, Russell Barnes, Shirley Moss, Donald Barnes, and Elsie Carrell.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 7262, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.