Miller Barnes Jr.

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.