Richard Barnes, Leonard B. Melvin Distinguished Lecturer and professor at The University of Mississippi School of Law, was killed in a car accident Jan. 22 while traveling between Conway, Arkansas, and Little Rock.
Preliminary reports issued by Arkansas State Police indicate that Barnes crossed the median of Interstate 40 and collided with an oncoming tractor trailer.
Barnes was pronounced dead at the scene.
AP reports indicate that the driver of the truck was not injured.
Barnes had been a member of the university faculty since 1989 and taught classes on contracts, secured transactions, commercial law and federal Indian law. He was twice selected as professor of the year.
Michael Hoffheimer, friend of Barnes, law professor and Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association Distinguished Lecturer, said that Barnes will be missed.
“I worked closely with Richard for 20 years,” Hoffheimer said. “Professor Barnes was a good friend and a good colleague.”
“He was a great teacher, one totally devoted to law students, and he will certainly be missed by his colleagues, fellow faculty members and students at the law school.”
Barnes is survived by his wife, Kathy, who teaches at Oxford High School, and his three children, Clay, Emileigh and Molly.
A statement posted to the law school’s website indicates that interested persons may read or submit remembrances on the law school’s Facebook page.
Memorial services will be held Saturday at Oxford-University United Methodist Church at 10 a.m.
