House Resolution 92

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF MR. HARRIS HASTINGS BARNES, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, longtime Clarksdale resident, Harris Hastings Barnes, Jr., agriculture writer-photographer extraordinaire, departed this earthly life on Friday, August 25, 2006, at the age of 87, to enter into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Clarksdale High School and Mississippi State College, Mr. Barnes enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, retiring from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1978 as a Colonel with 37 years of service; and

WHEREAS, beginning a pastime of photography in the late 1940s, which ultimately became a lifelong passion, Mr. Barnes' love for agriculture and photojournalism birthed three photojournalistic pieces: "Cotton: A Fifty Year Pictorial History," published in 2002, which won two major honors, the 2004 Award of Merit from the Mississippi Historical Society and the 2006 Mississippi Author Award from the Mississippi Library Association; and "The Beauty of Southern Agriculture," published in 2004; and finished his third book, "The Good Ole Days," just six days before his demise, which will be published in September; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Barnes began farming after his return from the War, and was honored in 1967 with the Man of the Year Award for his service to southern agriculture by Progressive Farmer Magazine, and was recognized this year on March 24 in a collaborative effort by Carnegie Public Library, Coahoma County and Mississippi State University for his journalistic contributions; and

WHEREAS, the epitome of a Christian gentleman, Mr. Barnes' love of the Lord emanated throughout his life and was strongly reflected in the lives of his children as well as through his work at First Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, his presence will be greatly missed in the Clarksdale community, but even more so by his loving survivors: sons, Harris Barnes III, Dudley Barnes and Jim Barnes; daughter, Jamye Barnes Lane; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a talented, giving and devout man as Mr. Barnes whose contributions to the literary arena will never be forgotten:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and accomplishments of Mr. Harris Hastings Barnes, Jr., and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Barnes and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.