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B. Lewis Barnett III

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Furman University University of Richmond University of Texas

B. Barnett Obituary

BARNETT, B. Lewis, III, Ph.D., 61, of Richmond, Va., passed away peacefully, January 21, 2021, in his home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was a devoted husband and loving father. Lewis received his B.S. in Computer Science from Furman University and his M.S.C.S and Ph.D. in Computer Science from University of Texas and garnered numerous academic accolades including membership in Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation, he began a rewarding 30 year career as Professor of Math and Computer Science at University of Richmond in 1990. Lewis served as Computer Science Coordinator for 17 years. During that time, he also served as Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science for nine years. He served as the Secretary for the University of Richmond chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and on the Academic Council of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. He is a published author of articles and textbooks in his field. He was often described by those who knew him best as calm, kind, patient and helpful. He was known as a selfless devotee to the educational mission of the University, as a colleague in the truest sense of the word and as a dear friend to those who were fortunate enough to know him well. He was considered by all to be an amazing teacher and servant leader at the University.

As a member of the Richmond Community, Lewis was active in the Richmond Audubon Society serving on the Board of Directors since 2006, and as an officer on the Virginia Audubon Council.

Lewis was preceded in death by his father, Dr. B. Lewis Barnett Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Rebekah Barnett of Richmond; his daughter, Elizabeth Barnett of Richmond; his mother, Annalyne Barnett of Kennesaw, Ga.; his sister, Kristen Dodgen (Jim) of Kennesaw; as well as loving nieces, nephews and other family members. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to richmondaudubon.org, and Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, lustgarten.org in his memory. A memorial service is planned for a later time.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for B. Barnett

16 Entries

Ran Yan

Planted Trees

sara hyman

February 12, 2021

Dr. Barnett was my teacher and a personal mentor during my freshman year at UR. He taught me to believe in myself as a woman learning compsci, and he advocated for all of his students in the IQS program. he will be greatly missed and positively impacted so many of us. my condolences to his family during this time.

Fess Khan

February 5, 2021

Please accept my condolences for your loss of Lewis. Although my interaction with Lewis was limited to hallway greetings, I was always delighted with his demeanor and friendliness. I am sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Lewis Barnett. God Bless...

Oscar Lovelace, MD

February 4, 2021

Dear family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope to speak with you soon.

Marissa Sisco

February 3, 2021

Dr. Barnett was my advisor, teacher, and research mentor and I will never forget his passion for everything he did and the wonderful presence he brought into any room he was in. I would not be where I am today if it wasn´t for his encouragement and patience and I will always cherish him for that.

Matt Der

February 2, 2021

Lewis (Dr. B!) was Chair and taught a couple of my classes at UR. He was a gentle soul, so calm and composed, and had a hearty laugh and radiant smile. Among countless students, I am blessed to have known him. He will inspire me to be a better person for the rest of my days.

Joseph Mugisha

February 2, 2021

He always had a knowing smile and a beautiful calming aura about him. Blessed to have been one of his students. Much love to you all.

Ann Shannon

February 1, 2021

I knew Lewis from the Audubon Society for many years. Such a nice person. My thoughts go out to his family.

Jo Lawson, Sheila Fleming, Jan Murphy, Peggy Ingram and Annie Wilson

Planted Trees

Daphne Cole

January 30, 2021

We lift your family up to healing from this loss. Lewis was incomparable and we were privileged to have spent time with him birding. How fortunate are his students to have been instructed him. Know that we were so shocked to learn of his passing and send condolences to you all!

Mary Seabrook Bell

January 29, 2021

I am sad to learn of Lewis' death. Peace to him and to his family.

Ross Gore

January 28, 2021

I was a student of Lewis' at the University of Richmond. He was an incredibly kind, gentle and effective teacher and mentor. During a summer I spent doing research with him I will always remember coming by his office and looking forward to him pointing out a species of bird that I had previously never heard of that was outside the window. I will sincerely miss him.

Yancy Skinner

January 26, 2021

So sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for your peace, comfort, and strength that only He can give during this difficult time.

David Slawson

January 26, 2021

I am so sorry to hear about Lewis's illness and death. When I was a resident many years ago and had a rough time of it, I stayed with the Barnett family and my bedroom was next to Lewis's. He was amazingly accepting of me being there and his calm demeanor and ability to listen was of a maturity way beyond his age at that time. We listened together to The Almann Brothers Band and it makes me smile now remembering those moments. I will always remember Lewis as one of those special men who is genuine and humble as well as brilliant and gifted. I know he will be greatly missed by many. The world is blessed for his time with us. Thank you to all of the Barnett family for being a part of my life and giving so much to me.

Louise B. Haines

January 26, 2021

May his soul rest in perfect peace

Mary Elfner

January 24, 2021

Lewis was one of my first Audubon friends when my family and I moved to Richmond from Savannah in 2008. I have many wonderful memories with Lewis as we birded, received awards for protecting land, and did the business of running a national, state, and local chapter of Audubon. He was kind, patient and devoted and we miss him while holding him in our thoughts.

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