Family recalls college’s generosity

By Misty Jones
The TC News reporter

December 3, 2015 was a tragic day. Texarkana College lost one of their own in an automobile accident. Timothy Dade Barnes, 18, died from injuries sustained during a collision with a semi-truck on highway 59 in Linden, Texas.

“Timothy was a good Christian boy,” said his mother, Ruth Brown. He was a song leader in his church, Caves Springs Baptist Church in Linden, Texas. “His favorite song was Victory in Jesus,” explained Mrs. Brown.

Billy Brown, a Psychology/Behavioral Science major at TC, is Timothy’s brother. “Timothy and I were extremely close. He was the smartest person I knew, without even trying,” said Billy.

After the accident, the Texarkana College community reached out to offer support. “President Russell called me the day after to talk to me personally,” said Billy.

The outpouring of love didn’t end with a single phone call. Numerous faculty members and students attended Timothy’s visitation and funeral, including President Russell. “A lot of TC staff and students showed up for the visitation. So many of them, we had to move it from the funeral home to the church,” remembered Mrs. Brown.

During the funeral services, Dr. Lori Rochelle, Registrar for Texarkana College, did the eulogy for Timothy.

“Dr. Rochelle was Timothy’s favorite teacher. That’s why I went out of my way and rearranged my schedule to be sure I had one of her classes,” said Billy.

Afterward, a donation was made to TC in Timothy’s name by Dr. Candy Smith, Government Professor.

“Dr. Candy Smith has been amazing,” said Billy.

The support of Texarkana College has been a tremendous help to both Billy and his mother.

“I just wanted to thank them for their support and prayers and for loving Timothy so much. And I’m thankful the President of the college showed. He didn’t even really know him,” said Mrs. Brown.

“I have chosen to say thank you with what I do, and not what I say. I have chosen to stay at TC instead of going to Dallas, because of my loyalty to TC,” said Billy.