Mr. Thomas Daniel Barnes, 90, was born December 22, 1930 in Pass Christian, Mississippi to the late Atward Barnes and Brunetta Collins Barnes Green.  He transitioned from this earthly life on the morning of December 24, 2020 surround by his family.

Thomas Daniel Barnes loved the Lord and he shared God's love with others through his words and deeds.  With a servant's heart, he was faithfully active in his church and community, always encouraging the best in everyone, quick to lend a helping hand, loved sharing his knowledge with others, and always looked for ways to make a positive impact. The depth of how many people he reached and lives touched is innumerable.

Thomas was a graduate of Tougaloo College with a BA degree and Atlanta University with a MA degree. He honorably served his country in the United States Army  Quartermaster Corp where he trained as a unit supply specialist and was stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts after a Leadership Training course at Fort Lee, Virginia. He received the National Defense Service Award.

Thomas taught at the Utica Normal and Industrial Institute, Greenwood Public School, and returned home to the Harrison County Public School District. He worked at North Gulfport High School as assistant principal and teacher; and Harrison Central High School as a drug education specialist and counselor. He retired after 30 years of service. He was awarded as State Teacher for three consecutive years.

Thomas was a  lifelong member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Pass Christian, Mississippi. He served his church in various capacities: lay delegate to the Mississippi Annual Conference, Sunday School teacher, lay speaker, United Methodist Youth Fellowship advisor, historian, choir member and soloist. He also served as a member of the Seashore District Council on Ministries and was involved in the Gulfside Ministries.

Thomas was a member in several civic and professional organizations. He was a member of the Gulf Coast Tougaloo Association Chapter where he served as treasurer; Gulfport Branch of the NAACP where he served on the Executive Committee; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; professional organizations:  Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), former Mississippi Teachers Association (MTA), National Education Association (NEA), Gulf Coast Personnel and Guidance Association, Mississippi Personnel and Guidance Association, and Mississippi Alumni Alcohol and Drug studies. He served as president of the former Harrison County Teacher's Association (HCTA), chairman of the Social Science Department of the former MTA/NEA and a member of the merger committee for the local HCTA/MTA and HCTA/MAE.

He was preceded in death by his parents Atward Barnes and Brunetta Collins Barnes Green; his brothers Bidwell Barnes, Horace Barnes, Wilfred Barnes and Jesse Barnes; and his sisters Vivian Ash and Beulah Butler.

Thomas Daniel Barnes leaves to cherish his loving memories: a devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Reverend Elsie Anderson Barnes, three children: Reynold (Tambria) Barnes of Dallas, Texas, Roland (Gabrielle) Barnes of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Angela Barnes Smith of Petal Mississippi; seven grandchildren, one great grandson, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

We please ask that in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to Saint Paul United Methodist Church, PO Box 516, Pass Christian, Mississippi 39571.