‘Had a passion for education.’ Well-respected Harris County teacher unexpectedly dies
A Harris County teacher unexpectedly has died.
Richard “Bam” Barnes, who taught sixth-grade history at Creekside School, died Sunday at his Phenix City home. He was 51.
Barnes was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m. after the Russell County Sheriff’s Office was called when he was found unresponsive at the house, Phenix City coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Cardiac arrest from a heart-related issue is the cause of the natural death, Sumbry said. No foul play is suspected, he said.
According to Barnes’ obituary, the funeral arrangements include a memorial service to celebrate his life Thursday at 3 p.m. in Edgewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus. Visitation in the mortuary will start at 2 p.m.
In her message to the “Creekside Family,” principal Jennifer Sappington wrote, “Mr. Barnes was a well-respected member of our school family and the Harris County community who had a passion for education. He will be dearly missed. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
Barnes, a graduate of Albany High School and Columbus State University, worked in the Harris County School District for 10 years. He started his career as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher.
Tributes posted on Facebook explain the positive impact Barnes made on his students.
While checking out her son early from school on the last day before summer break, Whitney Kiger wrote, “He made it a point to go back and say bye to Mr. Barnes and offer him a birthday treat. I’m glad he did that. He was always talking about something funny he did or said in class and how his class wasn’t boring.”
Farrah Moore wrote, “The passing of Mr. Barnes is devastating. … He loved all children and had a special place in his heart for children who have exceptionalities. Mr. Barnes had a contagious laugh and smile. He always had a story to share when he brought our little guy up to us from the after school program.”
Kathy Ingram McMurtry wrote, “On Saturday my daughter and a friend, both rising 7th graders, were discussing how Mr Barnes was their favorite teacher last year. This news is so sad!”
Ruthie Jackson wrote, “Maybe Creekside can do something special for when school returns. It’s hard to understand loss at any age, but honoring someone/showing their contributions could help.”
Such an opportunity has been established. Donations to benefit Barnes’ children may be made at any Truist Bank to the account named “Children of Richard Barnes-Katherine “Gabbi” Picardo,” HCSD spokeswoman Rachel Crumbley told the Ledger-Enquirer.
