BARNES JR., Reginald Davis
August 30, 1940 - November 28, 2021 Reginald Davis Barnes, Jr. (Reggie) passed away November 28, 2021 in Pasadena CA. Reggie was born in Tulsa OK on August 30, 1940 to Reginald and Katherine Barnes. He was 81 years old.
Reggie is survived by his wife Suzanne Martin Barnes, son Curtis Barnes, daughter Julie Lenden, twin sister Gretchen Kondylis, brother David Barnes, and his grandchildren Claire and Noelle Lenden and Julius Barnes. Beyond his immediate family, Reggie is mourned by close in-laws, extended family, and a broad community of friends and colleagues.
As a native of Tulsa Oklahoma, Reggie’s independent spirit was demonstrated early when he left home at 15 years old to attend Andover School in MA. Graduating in 1958, Reggie headed west to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder. He joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and was twice elevated to chapter president. Reggie attended the University of Michigan for graduate school, earning an MBA in 1964. Settling in New York City, Reggie began work as a CPA and consultant at Touche Ross. One day a mutual family friend introduced Reggie to a fellow Tulsan, Suzanne Martin; and in February 1968 they married. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes celebrated 53 years of marriage before his passing.
Reggie relocated from New York to California in 1972, locating in Arcadia with Suzanne and their two young children. His professional life included a role as CFO of the Director’s Guild of America, VP of Crysen Refining, and executive with World Oil. Reggie also maintained community ties which enriched his life. He served on the Board of Directors for Pasadena’s Five Acres and was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He also co-founded Grace Center, a home for survivors of domestic violence, served on the boards of the Sophie Miller Foundation and the Pasadena Arts League, and took leading roles in his children’s schools, little league, and scouting programs.
Through dedicated participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, Reggie stabilized his personal life and found companionship and support from many invaluable peers, enabling 40 years of sobriety. Through the program’s sponsorship system, he mentored and counseled many individuals in their quest toward sobriety.
Within his personal life, Reggie was active and athletic. He engaged in many sports throughout his life, including football, tennis, skiing, and racquetball. As a member of Annandale Golf Club, Reggie enjoyed the competitive and social aspects of golf. He also particularly enjoyed sailing his small boat in Lake Huron’s Tawas Bay, where he and his siblings maintained a family summer cottage at the Tawas Beach Club. In retirement, Reggie engaged in a novel hobby, becoming an accomplished abstract sculptor which included an invitation to exhibit his work at Huntington Gardens.
The Barnes family is thankful for the love and support Reggie received from friends, family, and health care workers during his health struggles in the past year. He will be truly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gooden Center of Pasadena or Five Acres of Los Angeles County.