Thomas Alton Barnes, also known to friends as “Bonzai”, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A celebration of Bonzai’s life will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 14th at the Monkey Bar & Grill in Atlantic Beach.

Bonzai was born August 19, 1952, and was raised in Havelock, NC. He graduated from Havelock High School in 1970 and spent a year in Colorado on a football scholarship. He returned home to work at a mobile home operation called Havelock Homes, completing his employment there in 1979. Since that time, Bonzai has worked independently in the construction and lawncare industries in Carteret County, calling Atlantic Beach, NC home.

In the early years, he provided security services at several night clubs around the “circle” at the beach and was often found surfing or clamming during his off time.

A big fan of the LA Lakers, Carolina Basketball, and the Dallas Cowboys, he also enjoyed watching ballgames and socializing at his favorite hangouts with his many friends.

Bonzai was a loyal member of the Buddy Pelletier Surfing Foundation.

He is survived by his brother, Larry “Goose” Barnes of Cove City, NC.

Bonzai was preceded in death by his parents, Lauretta and Charles Barnes and his brother, Bobby, who were all from of Havelock.

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

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