Benjamin Gibson Barbour

1977 - 2024

Benjamin Gibson Barbour

December 23, 1977 - August 4, 2024

Benjamin "Jamin" Gibson Barbour, of Richmond, died on August 4, 2024. He was 46. A passionate supporter of his alma mater Hampden-Sydney College, Jamin served its development and alumni offices as a longtime volunteer and its Atkinson Museum as interim director and chairman of the Advisory Board. During his days at Hecht's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Coplon's, his flawless eye and attention to clients' lifestyles and tastes built a cadre of loyal customers and led to record-setting sales. In his transition to development work, he oversaw donor research first at the Better Business Bureau and most recently at St Joseph's Villa.

He is remembered by his many friends and fellow alumni as a superb raconteur, ambassador of Southern gentility, philanthropist, and champion of seersucker suits and bowties. Others recall his unwavering style and sharp-witted tongue, his gift for impersonating familiar voices, his infectious smile, the sparkling silver at his tailgates, his piquant pimiento cheese and Bloody Marys, and his reverent admiration for his cousin the Queen. Jamin was generous in his support of students, facilitating the English Honor society's annual trip to the Opera in Richmond and connecting recent graduates with the "best alumni network in the country." A nearly fictional character, his bright spirit will be greatly missed by the entire Hampden-Sydney family and the broader community.

Jamin was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Benjamin Barbour; his paternal grandparents, Edwin Singleton and Doris Reynolds Barbour; his maternal grandparents, James Gibson and Virginia Snodgrass Johnson; his aunts, Dianne Barbour Kester and Nancy Barbour Smith; his adored family friend, Allyce Eubanks Fisher; and his beloved godmother, Dorothy Fisher Payne.

He is survived by his mother, Joella Johnson Barbour; by his sister, Margaret Allycen Barbour Williams and her husband John Harrell Williams; by his nephews, Jackson McGuyre and Keegan Gibson Williams; and by his niece, Brodi Joella Williams; by his aunts, Sylvia Jeanne Johnson and Patsy Barbour Craig; by his aunt and uncle, James McKee Johnson and Kathy Reed Johnson; by his numerous cousins and extended family; by his beloved godfather, Roy Lee Payne; by his very special friend, Anita Holmes Garland; and by a host of friends whom he loved as family.

Those who wish to celebrate his life and spirit are asked to wear their favorite bowties and touches of pink and green to the visitation on Friday, August 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bliley's Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Avenue in Richmond, and to the funeral service on Saturday, August 17, at 11 a.m. at Manakin Episcopal Church, 985 Huguenot Trail in Midlothian. (We will have bow ties to borrow, if you don't bring your own.) Interment will be at College Church in Hampden-Sydney at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to Hampden-Sydney College or to its Atkinson Museum.