Age: 52

Occupation and title: Pastor, self-employed

Spouse’s name: Jackie Barnes

Children’s names and ages: Shaunte Hunt, 28, Andre Barnes, 26

Church affiliation: First Baptist Church Severn, N.C.;

Revelle Hill Baptist Church, Conway, N.C.

What’s the best part of your day? Early morning

If you could select another profession, what would you do? Wildlife Conservationist

Why do you choose to live in Franklin/Southampton/Isle of Wight County? I was born and raised in Southampton County.

If you had two weeks’ vacation and money were no object, how would you spend your time? I would spend one week in Africa on safari and one week in the Holy Land.

Favorite food: Salad (Kale)

Favorite weekend destination: I don’t have one.

Favorite college sports team: I don’t have one.

Favorite pro sports team: Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Orioles

Favorite color: Blue

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learned, and who taught you? My father, Lewis Barnes, taught me to treat everyone with respect and to treat people as I wish to be treated.

That way, I will be respected regardless of whether or not I’m liked.

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

What’s the best decision you’ve made in life? Accepting Christ as my savior was the best decision I’ve ever made.

I thought I would have been dead by then because I was on a path of destruction.

Which local charitable or non-profit organization do you wish more people would support? The American Cancer Foundation, any organization that supports veterans, any organization that helps victims of domestic violence.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know. I am a master of disguise in regards to my emotions.

I am well able to hide deep hurt.

What’s your hobby? Farming is my hobby.

If you could re-live one day of your life, which would it be and why? I would re-live the day I accepted Christ into my life

What gives you the blues? Having to solve issues for which I am held accountable but not having sufficient resources with which to do it.

What’s the most Southern thing you’ve ever done? Enjoy a dish of fish muttlin.

What’s your best childhood memory? The night God spoke to me is by far my best memory.

I was watching a program on television when I heard God’s voice speak to me.

I ran weeping to the hog pen (my sanctuary), where my father joined me and put his hand on my shoulder.

No words were spoken; we simply stood in silence.

Tell us one true thing. Time has a way of healing all wounds.

What frightens you most? The thought of being elderly and not having accomplished my life’s goals frightens me.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why? I would live in Africa among the animals I’ve seen on the Discovery Channel.

Who’s your favorite ex-president? President Kennedy.

If you could pass or change one law, what would it be? I would pass a law guaranteeing the equity of all Americans- in opportunity and expectations.

What last brought tears to your eyes? When my daughter called me last week to tell me she is pregnant.

If you could invite three guests - living or dead, from anytime in history - to dinner, who would they be? I would invite Jesus Christ, my late father, and Moses.

What three objects would you take with you to a desert island? I would take my Bible, a shovel and an ax.

What kind of music do you like, and who’s your favorite performer? I like Gospel and Contemporary R&B.

My favorite performer is the late Barry White.

Tell us about a good movie you’ve seen lately and why you liked it. I haven’t seen a movie for quite some time.

Who’s a famous athlete or entertainer you admire? I admire Dr. William Cosby.

What’s the last book you read? I’ve read the Bible.

To whom are you grateful and why? I am grateful to my father, the late Lewis Barnes. He instilled in me the necessary qualities to live in, not of the world.