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William Anthony Karnes
William Anthony Karnes
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William Karnes Obituary
William Anthony Karnes made his living as a software trainer for Marsh & McLennan. But his life's passion was touting the virtues of his adopted hometown, New York, regaling his sisters with stories about the wonders of living in the city where anything is possible, a place grander than anything he imagined growing up back in tiny Corryton, Tenn.
At least twice a week, Mr. Karnes, 37, would phone home to Tennessee, as much to say "I love you" as to brag about his latest favorite restaurant, usually some Indian place. "He loved that there was so much to discover in New York," said John Winter, his domestic partner.
And he made sure to share his favorite discoveries. "It was a big kick for him to show us around his city," said his sister, Gayle Barker. "He'd take us to the Empire State Building, the top of the World Trade Center, Rockefeller Center or just walking through the streets."
The one thing Mr. Karnes couldn't find in his beloved Manhattan was true Southern cooking. His love of a good plate of pinto beans, corn bread, mashed potatoes and biscuits always managed to guide him back home to one of his sisters' dinner tables. In her mind, Mrs. Barker still imagines her brother sitting around the table. "I just keep thinking that this isn't really happening, that he's not dead. He's just on a long, long trip somewhere."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Salasblancas
September 11, 2023
Dear Gale,
Today during the reading of names, my sister and I picked your brother's name. He is special angel! I am a caregiver and recent nurse graduate. I relate to him & rejoice to God in his courage and sacrifice by being a caregiver. He will never be forgotten...imagine today, we feel he chose us to pray for you and your family. He, I am sure appreciates you doing all you can to move forward..you are not alone...we will be there supporting you in prayer. He was a hero already...without knowing he responded to your Mom and sacrificed his life to walk her home. Believe that with his sacrifice, his Mom was there with him and likely went quickly. He is by you supporting you from heaven. Think of moving forward, and taking care of yourself! Be at peace! He would have want this for you as wel!!
In gratitude, Karen S. & Anna
Gayle Barker
September 11, 2023
Tony, it has been 22 years without you this year. Brenda and I went to the Knoxville 9/11 ceremony today. I hope they continue to have them so people won't forget, especially all the young ones who weren't even born then. So much has happened since i last posted - Tom passed away and I had to sell our house. It was just too big for me to take care of with my health problems. But I now have a really nice condo that is just the right size for me and without stairs!.
We still love and miss you every day. We look forward to the day that we will all be reunited.
Love, Gayle
Gayle Barker
September 11, 2021
Another year has passed since I posted last. It has now been 20 years but seems like yesterday. But then I think, wow, you would be 57 now. I wasn't able to attend the local memorial ceremony today - I was sick and we are still dealing with the COVID virus. I was there in spirit. I now have another grandchild named Thomas Anthony, named after you of course. I wish you could have lived to see him and Emily. They are so precious.
Loving and missing you,
Gayle
Gayle Barker
September 11, 2020
Tony, it was a hard day today. We are going through a COVID pandemic so we all have to be super diligent to wear masks, wash our hands and stay 6 feet from everyone. I chose not to attend our local memorial service for this reason, for my health and the fact that Susan is pregnant with another grandchild. I did go up there later to lay flowers there for you and went to the cemetery to lay a rose at your grave as well as Bobby's. I also watched the NYC service as your name was called.
I really wish you could have met Emily - she is so sweet! She is 3-1/2 now and so funny! She will have a sibling in April and we are looking forward to it. I know you would have loved being around them.
I hope I am able to attend the 20th anniversary service next year.
Love,
Gayle
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Gayle Barker
September 12, 2016
Tony, Brenda and I went to the 9/11 ceremony here yesterday. I was thinking of you all day and missing you. Knoxville isn't going to have any more services except for every 5 years from now on. I am so sad about that.
I tried to focus on how funny you were and your practical jokes instead of the horrors I know you had to endure on that day.
Enjoy your time in heaven! And we will all be united there one day.
Love,
Gayle
September 11, 2016
Today at Mass each of us was given a name to learn to remember and add to our prayers, I got William A. Karnes.
Having lived in NYC prior to 9/11 I can understand how you loved the City...I am just sorry that your young life was cut so short, but it seems you made quite the impression on people that did have the opportunity to know and work with you. I had another friend that was training people that day at the WTC who also lost her life...my prayers are with your family..Patricia
September 13, 2014
Tony, I attended the ceremony downtown Knoxville on 9/11. Jack Copeland and Tim Wheeler came also as they do each year. I was able to talk to a good friend of yours, Carlos Reviez, and we shared happy memories of you. Time has passed but the sadness and hurt is still there. Love you forever, Brenda
Major Ward
September 11, 2014
Thinking of you today, just as I do numerous times through out the year. Now that I have two teenagers, their interest in your life and what you meant to so many becomes more evident. It warms my heart they now want to share your story and how you touched the lives of their mamaw, uncle and aunt, and me. They've heard so many stories of you I believe they feel as if they knew you personally. How I wish they did...
Gayle Barker
September 11, 2014
Tony, Brenda and I went to the ceremony downtown as we always do. There are still so many people who come to honor you and the others.
We love and miss you,
Gayle
Dana Frantz Flett
September 13, 2013
Gayle,
I thought about you and your family all day Wednesday and saw you all on the news that night! I kept thinking about standing there hugging you while it was first unfolding on TV and then you, Emily and I going back to your house that day. It still brings tears to my eyes all these years later. I hope you are doing well! I miss you!
Melinda Kivett
September 12, 2013
Gone too soon.
Gayle Barker
September 12, 2013
Tony, I can't believe it has been 12 years without you in our family. We really, really miss you, your jokes and great big smile. We had two services here in Knoxville. They were both beautiful. The one in the afternoon was mainly focused on you. Mayor Tim Burchett related his favorite memory of you - your red car with the license plate that said, "CMEFLY". And you truly did! Hope you are laughing and having a good time in Heaven. We love you!
Ang Richardson
September 11, 2012
Remembering an old friend on this day!
Brenda Vandever
November 5, 2011
Tony, still my little brother with the million dollar smile. I think of you every day and really miss you. Please rest in peace and know that you are still loved. I will see you when God calls me home. Your sister, Brenda Vandever
Sheila Carter
September 14, 2011
Tony, thinking about you today and recognizing the 10th anniversary of September 11. Even though you left us thru tragedy, my memories of you are very happy memories. As a little guy, I remember you as a little tow headed cutie always smiling. As you grew into manhood, I remember you always laughing, smiling and teasing me and Gayle. What a prankster! You are so loved and so remembered every day. Looking down from heaven, you must be so proud, yet humbled by the many dedications to you and how you touched so many people during your short time on earth. I am grateful to have known you and had you in my life. Bless you Tony. Sheila Carter
September 13, 2011
10 years seems like yesterday. The hurt does not go away. You would have been proud of the 9/11 ceremony this year as you were honored by Gibbs High School Choir singing, the flowers and photos of you and your friends having kind words to say in remembrance of you. You will always be remembered and in my heart. Love you and know you are looking down on us awaiting our joining you in heaven. Your sister, Brenda
Larry Daniels
September 13, 2011
I never had the pleasure of knowing you, but I do know a lot of your family and I am sure you were a great person, and I am sure you are in a much better place than those of us here on earth, God Bless You Tony.
Gayle Barker
September 13, 2011
Tony, it has been a very difficult 10 years without you. We miss your smile and how you made us laugh.
I hope you are looking down on us and remembering the good times.
Love, Gayle
September 12, 2011
This weekend, the nation remembered a historical event. I remembered an old school friend who used to make me smile.
Major Ward
September 12, 2011
Remembering a great person.
September 11, 2011
Never Forgotten.
Bill Osborn II
September 11, 2011
Today (9/11/2011) recieved a card at my church, Christ United Methodist in College Station, Texas with William's name on it so that I would have someone special to pray for. My prayers are for peace and serinity for William's family and friends today and for years to come till we all gather in heaven united with love. God Bless y'all.
Bill Osborn II
Angela Seivers Richardson
September 13, 2010
Many thoughts and memories of you this weekend.
Major Ward
September 12, 2010
Thinking of and remembering you as I often do.
September 11, 2010
It is hard to believe it has been 9 years...you are greatly missed by your friends and family. Gayle, I think of Tony and your family often and especially on this day. Love you girl!
Dana Frantz
Darin Karnes
May 4, 2010
Hi Unc!
Too bad we couldn't run into each other on this side. Who knows, maybe there is a way to find John and meet you that way. Thanks for the visits lately and I am glad you were/are a happy, fulfilled and vibrant spirit. Enjoy the journey!
Be At Peace-
Angela Seivers Richardson
September 11, 2009
Tony:
Thinking of you and your family today! Thanks for all the fond memories of our youth/childhood.
Gayle Barker
September 11, 2008
Tony, it has now been 7 years since you were so cruelly taken from us. Brenda, Vicky and I still love and miss you. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I miss your big smile and your ability to make us laugh at the smallest things. I look forward to the day that we will all be reunited in heaven.
Linda Mantooth
September 9, 2008
Another year has passed, but, Tony, it seems like yesterday that you left us. Mom remembers your last call to her on her birthday that year. She has just celebrated her 89th this year. As always, she & I keep you in our hearts & memories. You are greatly missed. "Sisters", you and John are in our prayers.
Brenda Vandever
January 30, 2008
Tony, still remembered and much loved. Your sisters had a tree planted at the Knox County Farragut Library with a plaque in your memory. This expression is amoung all the other memorials in your memory. Love your sister Brenda
Tim Wheeler
September 21, 2007
Tony, as another year has passed since that numbing day in September, I pause to remember you and your family. While I knew you much better, each time I see your sisters, I see you in each of them. Most of all, it is in the smile that I see you. I often remember those times before you moved away and a group of us would get together for an evening of fun and laughter. Each Christmas when I visit New York, I always take time to go to Ground Zero and can feel your presence there. I also visit with your partner John and we share those memories which make each day easier. My prayers continue for your family and John.
Much love,
Tim Wheeler
Angela Seivers Richardson
September 18, 2007
Tony, each time I log into this page and I see your smiling face I am immediately drawn back to memories of the years we spent together in school. I can still see you singing the Enjolie commercial just like it was yesterday :) I know you are still singing and making everyone smile.
Major Ward
September 16, 2007
Tony, it's hard to believe it has been 6 years since this terrible event took your life. As my two sons grow and become more understanding of this horrific event, I look forward to telling them about you... a great neighbor and good friend to all. Often whenever Mother, Mike, Kelli, and myself are together, your name and a special memory are brought up. At this point we usually tell a favorite story and end up in roars of laughter. There are so many thoughts of you at different times in our lives, your memory will live within us forever. Remembering you always.
Linda Mantooth
September 13, 2007
Another year has past...Tony you are still remembered, loved and missed by Mother and I.
Tracie
September 11, 2007
Well today has been 6 yrs since your death it was wrong and I still mourne about it and I still remember this day like it was yesterday i seen that yor family is from Knoxville I am also from Knoxville and it is pitiful that lives had to be tooken away like yours on 9/1 I am also in GLBT community and I hope you havea beautiful eternal life in heaven and REST IN PEACE beautiful one! you will always be remembered always Godbless !
P Tabbernor
November 21, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Brenda Vandever
September 15, 2006
Tony, I can't believe it has been 5 years since you left us. We(your 3 sisters)are still grieving. The pain will never go away. We will meet you in heaven with Bobby, Mom, and Dad. Love you forever.
LINDA MANTOOTH
September 11, 2006
5 years later...Tony is greatly missed & much loved by mother & I.
Gayle Barker
September 11, 2006
Tony, I can't believe you have been gone from us for five years. Brenda, Vicky & I still miss you so much. We miss your great smile, your practical jokes, and your ability to make us erupt into fits of laughter. We especially miss your "hey, sister" heard loud and clear across the room in crowded department stores, airports, etc.
You are truly loved and we look forward to seeing you in heaven with the rest of our family. Love, Gayle
beth
September 11, 2006
To the Karnes family-
I am a mother of 3 on Long Island and I jusy saw the beautiful tribute by Mr. Karnes partner to honor both Anthony & his sisters. I was in tears. Please know that there are so many people thinking of all the families and we do not just move on. Your loved ones touch us too. Our hearts go out to you all.
Angela Seivers Richardson
September 11, 2006
To Tony's family, I just wanted you to know that as I have been watching and reading all of the items to commemorate the 5th anniversary of such a horrific event, Tony has constantly been on my mind. Tony and I went to school together at Gibbs and I treasure my memories of him. He used to make me laugh and I choose to remember him smiling and laughing. We lost touch after school, as people often do, but I still think of him often, singing and making everyone smile. My thoughts are with each of you on this sad day.
Kelly Maxwell-Dice
September 11, 2005
My dear friend Tony...I can't believe four years have passed, since you were taken from us. I miss your laugh and your smile. You were so very special to all who knew you.
Linda Mantooth
September 11, 2003
On this second anniversary of 9/11, I would like to pay tribute to Tony. He was a loving and caring son, brother & companion. He was a loyal and fun-loving friend. And I am most appreciative to Tony for being such a loving and caring friend to my mother. I regret that I never got to thank him for this. I pray that he did not suffer on that horrible day. I picture him arm-in-arm with his fellow Marsh friends, a big smile on his face, headed home to be with his mother. Tony,you are missed. Love your cousin, Linda.
brenda vandever
January 29, 2003
Tony, it has been over one year since you left us. My heart is broken as you were like my own child. You are in my mind at all times and my love for you is like none other. I know that you are in heaven with Daddy, Mother,and Bobby. You are rejoicing where there are no more hearthache, pain or tears. I will be going to New York often as you were left there and I feel close to you. I just pray that you did not suffer as the
Tower fell. Til we meet again, love forever. Your sister. Brenda
Gayle Barker
December 19, 2002
Tony, we again approach the holiday season without you. Brenda, Vicky & I miss you so much, especially now.
But it helps to focus on all our good times - when you would act crazy for our cameras, we would tell jokes & just generally enjoy ourselves.
I treasure my visit to you & John in NY in 2000 but regret I never made it there in the summer of 2001 (as I had planned). Thank God I saw you on your last visit here in July.
I know you are in a better place now with the rest of our family who have already passed on. I look forward to seeing you there.
Much love to you,
Your sister Gayle
Amy (& Blaise)
December 18, 2002
To Dad & Tony's Family -
Our thoughts are with you through this holiday season and always. We know this time of year can be especially hard, but stay strong knowing that many people love and care about you.
I feel lucky to have met Tony that one May weekend. My only wish was that I could have gotten to know him more, he seemed like a truly wonderful person.
Take care. With love always,
Susan Schleicher
November 22, 2002
As we approach this holiday season, and we each count our blessings, I am reminded of all the fun times I have shared with Tony, and how much laughter he has given me. I hurt because I know that the suffering for his family has not subsided, but I rejoice that we all can see him again some day if we choose. Tony never met a stranger, and was the cutest center of attention you could imagine, with his flair for fashion and showmanship. I'm sure when we get to Heaven he will be waiting, waving at us, encouraging us to hurry up to see all the neat things he has already discovered. My prayer continues to be that the tears that are still being shed for Tony will turn to tears of joy rather than pain, and that thoughts of Tony will bring a big smile to our face, just like the one that stayed on Tony's face all the time.
And know this... If NEW YORK CITY impressed him so very much, just think of the time he must be having at this very minute!
Kelly Maxwell-Dice
September 16, 2002
Tony and John took me on my first tour of NYC. It was freezing cold that night, but he made sure I got to see all of the sights. He introduced me to Indian food that night, too. Now whenever I have it, I think of him.
Tony was such a wonderful man. He was so full of life. I miss him very much.
I know the pain I feel, and I'm certain it can't compare to the pain felt by his family. He loved you dearly, and spoke of you often. My thoughts and prayers are with John and the rest of Tony's loved ones. I wish I could ease your suffering.
Jackie York
September 12, 2002
John, I have thought about you since Tony's memorial service at Fountain City UMC. I just want you to know that my prayers are with you and his sisters. I knew Tony in school and he was one of the sweetest persons I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. May God bless you and keep you during this time. Time spent with your soulmate will always be locked in your heart. I hope you have found that place where remembering him does not always hurt but brings a warm smile to your heart. God bless you.
Sarah Karnes
September 12, 2002
God please take care of this family,okay im 13 (almost 14) and i have been reading writting,and researching on the sept. 11th attacks,and my last name is karnes (i doubt there is a relation)but it really touched me,and i am doing a report and other things on the attack of the 11th.I really hope that god takes care of you,you and william are in my prayers,this story touched me the most,and i am the president of my middle school's student concel and William will be the main focus of my speach to the school on the 13th.All the poems,(i have written one) will be dedacated to William.I really hope that you all take care.Much love from Milton Middle School in West Virginia.We really care,and you are in our prayers.
(*Sorry for all the spelling and or grammer mistakes*)
**GOD BLESS AMERICA**
Carolyn Hestand
September 11, 2002
I had just one memorable experience with Mr. Karnes.
My friend of over 18 years is the daughter of Kathy Duncan (who signed this guestbook earlier). She and I had dinner with Tony and John when Kathy came to New York on business. Tony took us to one of his favorite restaurants -- Friend of a Farmer -- and we ate delicious chicken pot pies. He was a sweet, warm spirit, very funny and a dear friend to Kathy.
Today I walked from my work place in Rockefeller Center home to Williamsburg, Brooklyn as I did last year. I passed by Friend of a Farmer and thought of that lovely evening spent a with wonderful person who is no longer with us.
Debbie Morey
July 21, 2002
I signed up to stitch a square for a memorial flag and was give the name of William Karnes. After reading his bio and guestbook entries, I must say that I am honored to have been given the name of such a wonderful man. From the comments I've read, he was someone that touched many lives. God bless you, Mr. Winter and all of Mr. Karnes' family.
Debbie Morey
Angie Campbell
May 2, 2002
I did not know anyone who passed away on that horrible day last September, but I will never forget what happened. May You rest in peace forever more and May God watch over the ones that you left behind.
Michael Iezzi
April 19, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Tony to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Christine Karnes-Steele
March 28, 2002
I didn't know Tony, but I just want to express my sincere sympathy. I first saw Tony's picture in the Reader's Digest article of missing/deceased persons and then I read the article that one of his sisters wrote in Reader's Digest. My maiden name is Karnes and I am wondering if Tony is a distant relation. If someone from the family would contact me, I would really like to talk. Again, I am really sorry for your loss.
Kathy Duncan
March 22, 2002
I first met 'Tony' at an IT convention held in Memphis the first part of June,1988. At that time I was in the process of transferring from the Dallas office to Corporate IT in Memphis. From the first sight of him, I couldn't help but feel happy. He was friendly with everyone. You know, the kind who never met a 'stranger'. With my job responsibilities and his, we were able to meet a couple times a year at some meeting or training session. During that time, I begin to cherrish my relationship with him. Even though I'm much older than him, he was like the older brother confidant I never had growing up. You know the kind who you could always count on to tell the truth. Eventually, he transferred to the Memphis IT staff and was here for about 1 year before transferring to New York.
I know that he is with God and in the hearts of many
andrea
February 13, 2002
Hi i am only 13 years old but i have been reading all of the world trade center things and i have been very sad reading.. i am so sorry for the loss of this young man. my prayers go out to his friends and family. I lost a friend scott in a car accident on dec. 4 and i now how it feels to lose someone. god bless
February 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN WILLIAM ANTHONY KARNES AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA ..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF TENNESSEE AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD AND THE SAINTS WILLIAM AND ANTHONY GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Juliane Massari Kilcoyne
January 16, 2002
Tony was a wonderful man who was quick with a smile and a warm word. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and to John.
John, he will always be with you.
Claire DeLuca
January 4, 2002
Tony was a kind and thoughtful person who always greeted me with a big smile ---and laughed at my "one liners".
Tony came by my desk, just a few days before 9/11, to say hello and that he, John and I would have a farewell dinner or lunch together before I left the company.
My deepest sympathy.
Teresa Jahn
December 28, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of William. May his life and love continue living in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
John Winter
December 15, 2001
Tony, you were my soulmate and the love of my life. After 3 months I still miss you more than anyone can realize.
The 3 years we had together were blissfully happy and oh how I wish we'd had longer to share our lives with each other.
I still love you so very much. HPD
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