A Legend Remembered: Billy Ray "Bullet" Barnes Created Lasting Legacy on Wake Forest Football and Baseball
12/31/2025 2:52:00 PM | Football, General
An All-American football player and national champion baseball player, Barnes was one of Wake Forest University's first great athletes of the ACC era, becoming the first player in conference history to rush for over 1,000 yards while also leading the baseball team to a 1955 national championship.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest University great Billy Ray "Bullet" Barnes — a fierce competitor, proud Demon Deacon, and enduring figure in Wake Forest athletics history — has passed away at 90.
The Wake Forest community mourns the loss of one of its most respected alumni-athletes. Known for his toughness, passion and relentless competitive spirit, Barnes left a lasting impression on the football and baseball programs and on all who wore the Old Gold and Black alongside him.
Barnes spent his collegiate career in Winston-Salem representing Wake Forest with distinction, earning a reputation as a hard-nosed competitor whose intensity and leadership set the standard for his teammates. His nickname, "Bullet," reflected both his playing style and his fearless approach to the game.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Barnes remained deeply connected to Wake Forest throughout his life, exemplifying pride in the University and its athletics programs. His legacy lives on through the generations of Demon Deacons who continue to be inspired by the example he set.
Wake Forest honors the life, legacy, and lasting impact of Billy Ray "Bullet" Barnes, whose contributions to the University will be remembered with gratitude and respect.
Wake Forest University Career Recap
Billy Ray Barnes, an All-American football player and national champion baseball player, Barnes was one of Wake Forest University's first great athletes of the ACC era, becoming the first player in conference history to rush for over 1,000 yards while also leading the baseball team to a 1955 national championship.
A 5-11, 185-pound fullback from Landis, N.C., Barnes quickly established himself as a prominent force in the new league in each of his respective sports.
Barnes first came to prominence in 1955, when he led the ACC and placed third nationally with 31 pass receptions. His dynamic athletic ability and intense competitive spirit helped pave the way for his selection in 1956 as the team captain.
Barnes then led the ACC in rushing in 1956 with 1,010 yards, becoming the first player in ACC history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season and earning Player of the Year honors in the league. In that same year, he was named to the Look Magazine All-America team.
Barnes' success did not stop on the football field; he was also an accomplished baseball player for the Demon Deacons. As a third baseman, Barnes recorded the last out of the 1955 College World Series as Wake Forest defeated Western Michigan 7-6 in the title game and won the first NCAA championship in any sport by an ACC school. It remains the league's only College World Series championship.
A first team All-ACC selection in 1956 and 1957, Barnes recorded batting averages of .319 and .310, respectively.
Only five days after completing his college football career, Barnes was the second-round choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1957 NFL draft, which was actually held on Nov. 27, 1956. He didn't sign immediately, however. He played the 1957 baseball season for the Deacs, graduated and then became an Eagle.
He embarked on an impressive nine-year playing career that included 3,421 yards in rushing, 1,786 more in receiving, 38 total touchdowns and three Pro Bowl appearances.
In the 1960 NFL championship game, Barnes contributed a key run, catch and block on the game-winning drive as the Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers 17-13.
Barnes played two seasons each for Washington and Minnesota but remained active in the game as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
Barnes, whose jersey number, 33, was retired after his senior season, graduated as Wake's record-holder for rushing yardage (1,607), and he's still 22nd on the chart. Barnes was chosen for the Wake Forest Hall of Fame in 1975.
Quotes Remembering Billy Ray "Bullet" Barnes
- Former Director of Athletics Dr. Gene Hooks ('50):
- "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Billy Ray 'Bullet' Barnes who was a close personal friend of mine. He was a fierce competitor, a proud Demon Deacon, and someone who represented Wake Forest with class. Billy's passion for the game and loyalty to this University left a lasting mark on all who knew him. He was a great football and baseball player who helped Wake Forest win the 1955 NCAA Championship. He is the most outstanding athlete who ever wore the Old Gold & Black in both sports."
- Head Football Coach Jake Dickert:
- "Billy Ray 'Bullet' Barnes represents everything we strive to instill in our program — toughness, accountability, and an unwavering love for Wake Forest. Though generations may separate today's team from his playing days, his legacy continues to inspire our players. We honor his life, his contributions, and the standard he helped establish for Demon Deacons football."
- Head Baseball Coach Tom Walter:
- "Billy Ray "Bullet" Barnes is arguably the greatest athlete in Wake Forest Sports history. Known for his toughness, Billy Ray set the standard for generations to come and his legacy will live on forever. Most importantly, Billy Ray loved Wake Forest deeply and embodied everything that we value as a community. He will be forever missed but never forgotten."
- Director of Athletics John Currie ('93):
- "Billy Ray 'Bullet' Barnes was a competitor in the truest sense and a proud ambassador for Wake Forest University. His commitment, passion, and legacy continue to shape the values of our athletics program. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and celebrate a life that exemplified what it means to be a Demon Deacon."
