‘He was a grassroots people-person.’ Columbus Councilor Jerry ‘Pops’ Barnes dies

Columbus Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes has died.

City manager Isaiah Hugley confirmed the news Monday to the Ledger-Enqurier.

“I did hear from his son-in-law this morning that he did pass away,” Hugley said.

Barnes, who represented District 1, had been battling an illness, Hugley said, and the city manager texted him Sunday to “let him know I was continuing to pray for him,” but he didn’t receive a reply.

Hugley described Barnes as a servant leader who made a major impact on Columbus, especially for disadvantaged citizens.

“He was in touch with every organization that had something to do with low-income people and organizations related to health,” Hugley said. “He walked his district when he was able. I mean, even after he got elected, he literally went door-to-door to check on his constituents, and he set up on Saturdays at place like Walmart for hours so his constituents could stop by and discuss any issues with him.

“He was a grassroots people-person. … He was just a great mean. He will truly be missed, and it will be a challenge for whoever comes behind him to reach that level of service he provided.”

Barnes served 23 months of his current four-year term. The city charter says the council appoints someone to fill the remainder of a councilor’s term if at least a year-and-a-half of that term has been served.

Muscogee County elections director Nancy Boren told the L-E it is too late - at least 90 days are needed - for a District 1 special election to be on the May 21 ballot, when the even-numbered seats on the 10-member council will be up for election. So the person the council appoints to represent District 1 will serve until the May 2026 election.

Barnes’ obituary and funeral or public memorial service arrangements weren’t available before publication. The date, location and cause of his death also weren’t available.

The L-E didn’t reach Mayor Skip Henderson for comment, but his chief of staff, Josh Beard, sent the following news release on behalf of the mayor:

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Councilor Jerry ‘Pops’ Barnes. Pops served District 1 for 20 years and always put the needs of his constituents first. He fought hard for funding within his district, receiving over $40 million in infrastructure improvements to include the Natatorium and the City Services Center.

“Pops served 20 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. During his time on council, he worked closely with Veterans organizations to support their needs, primarily mental health. This is a tremendous loss to our community; we continue to keep the Barnes family in our prayers.”