House Resolution 15

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND SERVICE OF MR. RICHARD DE'SHAWN BARNES AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Richard De'Shawn Barnes, to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the City of Hattiesburg lost a wonderful friend, faithful Christian and community servant on December 29, 2015, with the passing of Richard De'Shawn Barnes, affectionately referred to as "Rickey D" and "Lil' Rickey," a loyal son, father and brother who was born on June 15, 1972, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to his beloved parents, Joanne Barnes and Richard Charles Wheat; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Barnes attended Hattiesburg Public Schools and proudly graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1990, leading by example those who came after him, whom he would always encourage to stay in school and finish their education; and

WHEREAS, a hard-worker throughout his life, Mr. Barnes started working as a teenager at the William M. Colmer Federal Building with the N.Y.C. Program before finding an aptitude for detailing cars to which he dedicated many years of his life along with his father; and

WHEREAS, with an unbridled entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Barnes launched his own business and took the leap into self-employment providing exceptional lawn services to the community; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles he assumed, Mr. Barnes confessed his belief in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior when he walked the aisle to request prayer while attending Victory Church with his Aunt Linda; and

WHEREAS, one who relied heavily on his faith, Mr. Barnes developed this spiritual foundation at an early age and dedicated his life and membership to Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend F.L. Barnes; and

WHEREAS, Richard was known to all as a great friend, always polite, constantly laughing, welcoming to all, forever helping those in need and encouraging everyone to be their best by way of his famous witty sayings, so it comes as no surprise that his friends and family deeply and earnestly mourn his passing, but they take comfort in Revelation 21:4, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away"; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to now stand upon the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Mr. Barnes will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: mother, Joanne; father, Richard C.; daughter, Rickell; grandson, Jay; sister, Noelle; grandmother, Mrs. Bessie Barnes; great-grandmother, Mrs. Allean Barnes; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of a remarkably kind, charitable and joyful individual such as Mr. Barnes, whose life's light was an impassioned beacon of inspiration to all as he imparted his esteemed wisdom into the lives of all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss, commemorate the life and legacy of Mr. Richard De'Shawn Barnes, and express sincere sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

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