Miller Barnes Jr.

Miller Barnes main photo

Miller Barnes Jr., 86, peacefully entered eternal rest on April 22, 2020. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, July 6, 1933 to Miller and Pauline Barnes. He was a graduate of Central High School in Columbus, Ohio. He was an Army Veteran and was honorably discharged in 1958.

Miller was a long-time member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. He enjoyed serving and ministering with the Brotherhood Chorus as well as singing in the annual Lord’s Supper Pageant.

Miller earned his Bachelor of Arts, Health and Physical Education and Recreation in 1964 from Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio. In 1971 he earned a Master of Education from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. He started his educational career as a physical education teacher in Columbus Public Schools at Roosevelt Junior High School. He coached the boys’ basketball and won four championships. From 1971 to 1996, Miller was an Assistant Principal at Marion Franklin High School, Beechcroft High School, and Independence High School. At Beechcroft, where he spent most of his career, he helped to create outstanding race relations among the student population and developed a safe and secure educational environment. He also established athletic teams and programs at the varsity level. Miller retired from Independence High School in 1996, after which he moved on to become Assistant Basketball Coach at Brookhaven High School, winning a Central District Championship in 1998. He continued to be involved in education as a substitute Administrator in the Columbus Public Schools from 2001 to 2008. In 2004, he received recognition for his involvement dedication, and community service from the Central State University General Alumni Association.

He was proceeded in death by parents Miller and Pauline Barnes, grandparents Eli and Josephine Barnes, Othello and Evelyn Showers, brothers Fincher Barnes, Paul Barnes and Eli Barnes. He leaves behind his legacy; sons, Todd M. Barnes and Timothy M. Barnes; daughter Tia (Ryan) Coats, a host of nieces and nephews and 5 grandchildren.

Private services Friday, May 1, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.

Interment at Franklin Hills Memory Gardens.

Condolence Messages

  1. We are saddened to learn about your family loss.
    Continue to rely on God and know that he hears your prayers, because he cares for you. Truly sorry for your loss.

  2. Mr Barnes had a positive & relative impact on many young lives. He was a principal during my older brother & sister’s years in high school as well as mine. He knew the struggles & circumstances a lot of students faced. Whether you were on the wrong path or right, he was caring & honest with you. His words didn’t come from a place of disgust or frustration but from a place of support. They were never forced on you, but presented to you, in a way that you could look back and draw on the lesson you should have learned earlier. I bumped into him a couple of mornings & got a chance to thank him for the guidance & wisdom he’d given me 20+ years earlier when I was in high school. We talked over a cup of coffee about where life had taken me & where it could have. He still had insight I found useful after all those years. I went back to that place hoping to bump into him a few more times, but it never happened. I wish I could’ve thanked him more, not only for me but for some others too.

    May he rest peacefully in heaven & may his family find some comfort in knowing his positive impact to others & the high regard many held him to.

  3. Christina Glover

    I graduated from Beechcroft in ’88 and Mr. Barnes always held a special place in my heart! He was truly a nice man and was always so nice to me! I am so sorry for your family’s loss!
    Sincerely, Christina Glover

  4. RIH MR MILLER BARNES YOU TRULY BE MISSED YOU WAS ALWAYS AN AWESOME PRINCIPAL AND SOME…LONG LIVE MR.B

  5. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Barnes made an impact through the years as an educator and father & will be missed, but not forgotten. Prayers to the family on behalf of the Tucks.
    Greg “Hollywood” Tuck

  6. Mr. Barnes was a great man & was very good to me when he was @ Beechcroft.
    I was in class of ’81.

  7. My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Barnes. He was a very kind and loving many. I enjoyed his storytelling and antics that he shared along with my dad at Cherry Blossom Senior Living as we sat and ate ice cream. God’s Peace to you all.
    Jaime Berry

  8. Minister Jolynn Houpe

    Mr. Barnes was a good man and he always encourage the students, i use to love when he used to wear his brown suits, when the Bell rung he would step out the office and yell, everybody get on to class! , He will be sadly missed, My condolences to the family!!! Class of 1988

  9. We were blessed to share administrative responsibilities with Mr. Barnes at Beechcroft High School.
    So many wonderful staff members and students fill our memories with joy and Cougar Pride!
    We send our sincere condolences to Mr. Barnes and his family! May he rest in Peace!!

  10. We were blessed to share administrative responsibilities with Mr. Barnes at Beechcroft High School.
    So many wonderful staff members and students fill our memories with joy and Cougar Pride!
    We send our sincere condolences to Mr. Barnes and his family!
    May he rest in Peace!!

  11. We were blessed to share administrative responsibilities with Mr. Barnes at Beechcroft High School.
    So many wonderful staff members and students fill our memories with joy and Cougar Pride!
    We send our sincere condolences to Mr. Barnes and to his family!
    May he rest in Peace!!

  12. We were blessed to share administrative responsibilities with Mr. Barnes at Beechcroft High School.
    So many wonderful staff members and students fill our memories with joy and Cougar Pride!
    We send our sincere condolences to Mr.Barnes’ family and friends!
    May he rest in Peace!!

  13. Thank you Mr Miller Barnes..RIP!

    • Mattie Grooms Phillips

      Brother Barnes was the consummate “educator”, be it in the community, school, or church, he was always educating those around him. I couldn’t have known a nicer man. He was always respectful and kind. To the family, you have my sympathy. May God grant you peace and comfort at this time.

  14. Michael Harper

    The best administrator while he worked at Marion-Franklin High School

  15. Corki and I are saddened to hear that Miller passed away. Our thoughts are with the family. Miller touched so many lives for the good. I’m grateful I had the chance to know him as both a colleague and a friend.
    Jack and Colleen Culp

  16. Frances Beasley

    Miller was our friend, relative, and my brother Pat’s basketball coach at Roosevelt Jr. High. He was the kind of educator that all kids deserve – caring, concerned and about the business of developing the best in his students.
    We were all blessed to have him in our lives.

    Frances Beasley

  17. Mr Barnes had a big impact on kids at Roosevelt and South. He always took time to give advice. He changed a lot of lives. He will be missed.

  18. My condolences to the family of Mr. Barnes. I want to thank you all for sharing Mr. Barnes with us all. He loved all of students as his own. He was a great honorable man. A legend.

  19. Heartfelt condolences to the family. I consider myself fortunate to have had some great mentors, teachers and coaches over the years. Mr. Barnes, to me, has always been at the top of my list. Fairness, honesty, determination, hard work, and genuine concern for my well being immediately come to my mind. I cannot tell you how often I think back on those days at Roosevelt Jr. High and share stories and examples to the many kids that I have had the pleasure to work with or coach. One true reflection of a man is the impact he has left on others. Mr. Barnes impacted my life in all of the right ways and I am am forever grateful for his influence on me. Rest in Peace Coach. Brad Hoffman Hickory, NC

  20. Kirby Schuchter

    I am so sorry for the passing of your father, father-in-law and grandfather.
    Although I did not know your father, I can tell he was a remarkable man that valued education, cared for his family and loved his community. I know he is proud of you and your children. My prayers are with you and your family. Rest In Peace.

  21. Rest in peace Mr. Barnes .

  22. To the Barnes family,
    Our deepest condolences in your time of bereavement. Even though I did not have a personal relationship with Mr. Barnes, I heard so many great and funny stories through his daughter Tia.

    May God’s blessing remain on his beautiful legacy.
    May his loved ones be comforted by God in their deepest moments of grief.

    Love,
    Tim and Anoa Green

  23. Gloria Patterson Burke

    To the Barnes Family
    I am so glad I had a chance to see Mr.Barnes at one of Roosevelt grathering.He was one of the best Assistant Pibcipal I have every know he was strike but humble ,compation, concern and a lot of use in Line thank you for being who you are and was until we meet again R.I.P

  24. Dwayne Carter

    Condolences to the entire Barnes family. Mr Miller Barnes legacy will last forever within the community.

  25. Prayers and condolences to the Barnes family!
    Mr. Barnes was a mentor in my life in junior high school and will truly be missed!
    Salute and Thank You Sir!

  26. TERRY J CORNETT II

    We send our most heart felt condolences to the Barnes Family.

    Coach Barnes was one of the coolest instructors and he taught me strategies to raise my level of competition in sports.

    He will be missed but not forgotten by any of the many lives he touched.

  27. TJ CORNETT II

    We send our most heart felt condolences to the Barnes Family.

    Coach Barnes was one of the coolest instructors and he taught me strategies to raise my level of competition in sports.

    He will be missed but not forgotten by any of the many lives he touched.

    • Debra Lawhorn Ward

      I remember him well. I got into a fight with a boy at Roosevelt that was picking on me. I jumped on his back and Mr Barnes pulled me off him
      Saying Debra, you know better than that. Such a good teacher.. Rest in Peace Mr Barnes

  28. Gregory Harrison

    Bereavement of the family of Coach Miller Barnes… heartfelt condolences , prayers and well wishes in your time of sorrow and grief. You should know without a shadow of a doubt that Coach Barns had an iconic impact on my life. He encouraged me he talk to me many times about my personal situation at home with my parents and he told me things That actually prepared me for my future …hats off hugs and kisses and memory of a hell of a man and a friend!!! love you coach! ( C.C. Lip)

  29. Sheila Perry Broomfield

    Mr. Barnes is a legend. He touched many lives that were changed for the better because of his mentorship. His family should be very proud of his legacy. Roosevelt would not have been the same without him. God rest his soul. Condolences to his family. My prayers are with you all.

  30. Herbie Johnson Jr.

    Yo!!! Love Y’all!! Sorry to hear about Dad. Mr. Barnes and I first met at Herb William Basketball Camp! He laughed so hard at me cause I could touch my toes exercising, my legs were too long. After camp, found out they lived next door to my family (D. Palmore) in Bexley. Two sons and I battled in sports and all!!! Love the family!!! My Brothers from another Todd and Tim, keep y’alls heads up. God Bless Y’all!!!

    If ya need anything,…….. hit me! God Bless…..
    Hj

  31. Coach Barnes well respected in the basketball community and was a great man. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. Rest in Peace. The Mixon Family

  32. David Carter & Family

    Barnes family may you be comforted by Jesus Christ during this time of great loss. We all have to meet our maker, but we all won’t have the testimony of leaving such a great legacy. Tia are blessed to have had such an amazing father in your life. We are lifting you in prayer. We are here for you…

  33. I loved Mr. Barnes. He was a very, very nice man who was funny and always had a story about some young person he knew or mentored. He loved The Lord and he loved his family and his Tabernacle Church Family. Condolences to you, his family and may God be with you.

  34. Lue Cindy Jennings Terry

    Deepest sympathies to the family of Mr Miller Barnes. Mr Barnes was very instrumental in preparing me for my future endeavors during my early teens. He instilled in me integrity and hard work. He was a wonderful mentor and one I will never forget. Rest on, Mr. Miller.

  35. Roberta Bell Doucette

    Mr. Barnes, Thanks for the loving care and guidance you personally gave me during my formative years at Marion Franklin. All of us in the Class of 1975 share a unique and special bond and affection for you and are grateful for your willingness to gently advise us as a loving parent would. You served us tirelessly and well! You are definitely missed. Until Paradise!

  36. Minister Jack Joyce

    Prayers for the family od this great man.He could teach and correct at the same time,touched so many lives.Will be greatly missed.

  37. Pastor Verlin & Rebecca Samples

    To the Family of Miller Barnes Jr.
    You are in Our Thoughts & Prayers
    May God be with you at this time
    Of the Loss of your Loved one
    Brother Barnes was truly a man of God
    We Love him and he will be Missed
    Pastor&First Lady Samples

  38. Bill Kilkenny

    So sorry to hear of his passing. I always liked and respected him. RIP

  39. Donna Breedlove

    So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

  40. Lawetta lanier

    My prayers and condolences to the family Mr Barnes I got a chance to know him he was a very happy man he will be missed bye many people .my prayers to all the family

  41. Rest Well Mr. Barnes! You were truly a blessing to many lives young and old while making a positive impact on the young lives that you served. The trailblazing efforts and contributions will not be forgotten and will forever be appreciated by those that were directly and indirectly affected by your works. I thank you for the opportunity to know you and about you. May GOD continue to bless your children, Todd, Timmy and Tia, as well as your beautiful grandchildren and allow them to grieve peacefully! You will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Thank you Mr. Barnes for sharing your gifts!!!

  42. Class of 1974-Marion Franklin HS. RIP Mr. Barnes.

  43. Adrienne Hood

    To the Barnes Family…
    You have my deepest condolences. Your father was my principal at Beechcroft High School. He was a fair man and looked out for us all. I’ve always loved running into him. He was a definite jewel. May God’s comfort keep you all at this time.
    God bless,
    Adrienne Hood

  44. John Passmore Jr

    Miller Barnes Jr there will be never another Brother like him in this world !! The first and only person to ever paddle me at school, we laughed and talked about this everytime we saw each other ! He advised me on every subject know to man kind,he was honest and always said the right thing to do not what u wanted to hear ! He also had a very funny side to him full of laughter he will b truly missed ! RIP MY FRIEND

  45. Dr. D. Christopher Scott

    I recently learned of the passing of Mr. Miller Barnes. My educational experiences K-12 were not the most positive. Like many students of Color, we were in toxic educational spaces dominated by teachers in the racial majority that had an antipathy for non-White students. It was rare that African American (Semitic Hebrew) males saw a positive image of themselves (in both the school and community). I attended Beechcroft High School as a freshman in 1989. Mr. Barnes was a name that every new and continuing student knew. Though he was not the senior principal, he and Sandy Quick had a presence that overshadowed other administrators. He was known to be fair, honest, and authentic. As an African American (Hebrew) male, I looked to him as a role model. In 1989, I did not have an inkling that I would later become a teacher, principal, and an educational doctorate, who would study perceptions of African American Males in PK-12 public schools. I am blessed to have known him and may the Lord Yeshua Meshiach reward him for his labor and efforts that impacted the lives of thousands of students. We honor and bless the memory of Mr. Miller Barnes, may he find rest with the ancestors.

  46. Christopher Duemmel

    I have very fond memories of Mr. Barnes at Beechcroft, and felt like his efforts at relations among the student body were highly successful. I was class of 85.

  47. Hi. I was Class of ’86.Please read Tigerland by Wil Haygood for a fantastic account thai includes city league history. I think Mr. Barnes was mentioned. I remember Mr,. Barnes from 1986 outside the office getting to know his students.

  48. I was in Mr Barnes office at Beechcroft more times than I care to admit. But he was always understanding and available to talk to whenever. I’m saddened by your loss

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