Gerald Thomas Barnes, III

Gerald Thomas Barnes, III

November 6, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the abrupt passing of Gerald "Thomas" Barnes, III, 68, of Charlotte, on November 6, 2025.

Born on April 16, 1957, in NC, Thomas resided in Charlotte for most of his life.

As a young man, he graduated from UNC Chapel Hill, majoring in Business, and then lived in New Orleans, working on an oil rig and pursuing freelance photography. Following this, he joined the U.S. Navy and spent several years aboard a submarine, the U.S.S. Bergall. After his time in the navy, Thomas returned to Charlotte and was employed at MGM Brake Company. In his spare time, he started Carolina Designer Dragons, an online store that specialized in the sale of bearded dragons and their habitat supplies. Also Thomas enjoyed real estate development in the Charlotte area. After his retirement from MGM, he and his partner, Lynn Benjamin, traveled to Thailand many times restocking their bearded dragon supplies, and selling their merchandise at reptile shows around the U.S., as well as through their website and on Amazon. As time went on, Thomas used his creativity in designing products for the reptile cages.

Thomas is survived by his partner of 25 years in a committed relationship, Lynn Benjamin; by his sisters, Clara Barnes Link, of Lake Norman, NC, and Karen Barnes Hammett, of Anderson, SC; and his brother, John (and Christina) Barnes, of Charlotte.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Gerry Barnes and Jean Barnes Whipple, and his brother, Mark Barnes.

A private memorial service will be held by the family.

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com