Richard Barnhart, founder of Barnhart Crane and Rigging, passed away at his home in Millington, Tennessee, on January 21 at the age 90.
In 1969, Richard founded Barnhart Crane and Rigging in Memphis with just a few employees. Several local projects that Richard led include the steel erection of the Pyramid, the Monorail Bridge to Mud Island, the Memphis convention centre, the Med, and Bellevue Baptist Church. In 2008, he was inducted into the Society of Entrepreneurs.
The company, which is led by sons Alan and Eric, has grown to employ over 1,800 people in more than 50 cities.
Richard leaves behind his wife Nancy, children Eric, Alan and Donna, 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a legacy of service and innovation. Richard served as a scoutmaster, built and donated several structures for Young Life camps around the country, and donated millions of dollars to organisations that helped people. He was instrumental in starting a Young Life Club in Millington, Tennessee, and was involved in Methodist churches for 56 years.
