of Conway, AR
October 8, 1930 - May 20, 2023
Richard Lee "Jack" Barnes was born October 8, 1930 to Charlie and Lois Barnes in Texarkana, Texas. He attended schools in Texarkana and Lufkin, Texas and graduated from Lewisville High School, Lewisville, Arkansas. He was awarded a football scholarship at Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas. After the first semester of his sophomore year, he asked the draft board in Lewisville to move his name up on the draft list so he could serve his two required years of military service. After several programs in the service, he was placed in Special Services and played football in Germany for the remainder of his military time. He was discharged at the end of 1953 at which time he returned to Southern State to finish his four years of education. He received a degree in Physical Education.
After graduation, he took a coaching job at Barton Jr. High School in El Dorado, Arkansas. After a year at Barton he was offered an assistant coaching job at Brinkley High School, Brinkley, Arkansas. He was there 8 years, two years as assistant coach and 6 years as head coach of football and track. He was fortunate to have several record setting athletes. After eight years, he decided to take a job with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for the Blind as a Supervisor. This job took him to El Dorado and Magnolia. He continued in that position until his retirement. After his retirement, he and his youngest son, Kyle, started a snack vending business, K&M Vending, in Magnolia, Arkansas.
In August of 1954, he married Mary Ida Frizzell of Camden, Arkansas. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children, Richard Lee Barnes, Jr., Karen Kay Barnes Williams and Robert Kyle Barnes. He had 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
His love of the Lord was evident in his service as congregational song leader for many years before he developed dementia. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ.
There will be a private family graveside service in Camden, Arkansas at the family burial site. In lieu of flowers, please leave a memory that you have of Jack that you would like to share with the family on the memory page at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas.
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18 Condolence(s)
Don and Nancy Bingham
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Our love and prayers for the Barnes family! Among our memories are the times my sister, Jerrianne Iseley, and I would watch Jack shave and sing while shaving…we thought he was so handsome and talented! The Bingham’s are most grateful for the memories of family and for the legacy of our Uncle Jack. Nancy and Don Bingham.
Becky Barker Hartley
Thursday, May 25, 2023
My Uncle Jack was larger than life when I was young!! My Mother, Helen Barker loved her younger brothers and they always protected her. He had a special bond with his family.I believe he created our love for football! I was so proud to say my Uncle was a former player and coach. Love you Uncle Jack and remembering Mary and the entire family. Much love to each of you.
Jonna Gibby
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Mary and Family
Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Jack was a wonderful Christian man. We will always cherish the wonderful memories we had at church.
Love to you all.
Thomas Martin
Thursday, May 25, 2023
I admired and respected Coach Barnes , but when I had him as a Civics teacher my opinion of his abilities and intellect went to new heights. He was an excellent and caring educator.
Bobby woodward
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Coach Barnes set a good example in
many areas for us to follow.
He always had words of encouragement. He was truly admired
by all who knew him.
Lee and Jerrianne Iseley
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
My uncle, Jack, was so handsome in his military uniform. I remember watching him putting on the finishing touches to take a girl for a date. My sister, Nancy, and I swooned and thought she must be the luckiest girl alive! I remember having so much fun with Mary, his wife, and watching him coach the Brinkley High School football team. His laughter and smile were infectious!
Rebecca Archibald martin
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
I attended church with the Barnes in Brinkley. They were good Christian examples for us as young people in the church. Praying for comfort for the family.
Tanya Hightower
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
We are so sorry to hear about Jack. I remember our times together in Magnolia. Our families worshipping together are some of the dearest memories for me. Our condolences to Mary, Richard, Karen, and Kyle. I know you’ll miss him.
Rita Murphy
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Jack will always be remembered for that smile I will miss him you will always be remembered in the heart's of those that love you god got an amazing angel when he got you....
Linda Minton Harvell
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
I was so sorry to hear about Coach Barnes's passing. He was a great Coach and my P E teacher. My mother thought a lot of both he and his wife, Mary. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. You were such a good caregiver for him in his later years. Just know that you and Coach Barnes were a part of a great community in Brinkley and was loved by so many.
Bill Traylor
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
“Coach†Barnes was high school coach at Brinkley , Arkansas in the 1961-62 school year.
I have many fond memories of that year playing football with all the thrills and satisfaction that mere words can hardly express. A senior year that was a “dream†year for me.
My sincerest sympathies to his family. He will always have a special place in my memories.
Wally shaw
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Lived right down the street from us in Dial Circle.
Ronald Jefferies
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
I fondly remember when Coach Barnes first came to Brinkley in late fifties. He coached me in football my entire high school years. He instilled in his players to be honest, best mental and physical shape, and give 100% to and for the team!! I was Blessed to be Honored as a football player in high school. My Condolences to Coach Barnes’ Family and Friends, We Love Y’all and Thanks for your guidance in our formative Years!
Ronnie (Red) Jefferies Class of 63 Brinkley Arkansas
Jo Ann Archibald Jenkins
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
I had the great fortune to attend church with Jack and Mary Barnes in my teen years. I never knew a better example of a true Christian man than Jack. His family remained a great example to me in the coming years.
Wanda Foster Harrell
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Praying for the family. Love Mary &Coach so much. Miss seeing them taking their walk every day.. Bless you Mary!!
Polly Rennick Elson
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
I always have fond memories of Coach Barnes at Brinkley High School. He was a good coach and liked by so many. My daddy (Tommy Rennick Drug Store) spoke highly of his coaching abilities. I know he will be missed.
Ronald Jefferies
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
I fondly remember when Coach Barnes first came to Brinkley in late fifties. He coached me in football my entire high school years. He instilled in his players to be honest, best mental and physical shape, and give 100% to and for the team!! I was Blessed to be Honored as a football player in high school. My Condolences to Coach Barnes’ Family and Friends, We Love Y’all and Thanks for your guidance in our formative Years!
Ronnie (Red) Jefferies Class of 63 Brinkley Arkansas
Jean Young Mixon
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANKFUL FOR OUR VISIT.