Ladson ‘Lad’ Barnes Jr. passes away at age 97
Sad news to report this Friday afternoon, Ladson Barnes Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday morning in his Westminster towers apartment. Often referred to as Lad, he was a crucial piece in the creation and development of Comporium. After graduating from Clemson in 1946, Lad returned to Rock Hill to work for the Rock Hill telephone company.
After the purchase of the Fort Mill Telephone Company, Lad transferred across the river and eventually assumed the role of Vice President of Operations. He held this position until the merger of RHTC and its affiliates into Comporium in 2001. Lad became Vice Chairman of the Board for Comporium and served in that capacity until Frank Barnes, Jr. passed. Lad then became Chairman of Comporium’s Board of Directors for several years. Rather than retire, he stepped out of the Chairman role and focused more on handling shareholder matters and enjoying his family. Lad served Comporium as a full-time employee for a total of 72 years.
He also served as an Army veteran out of college, graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant. He had just celebrated his 97th birthday a few weeks prior to his passing. A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
