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George William "Bill" BARNES III
1945 - 2015
George William "Bill" BARNES III
1945 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1945
DIED
2015
George BARNES Obituary
George William "Bill"
Bill Barnes of Ft. Myers, FL, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2015, at his home surrounded by family. Born February 13, 1945, he lived in Macon, GA until age 13 when his family moved to North Miami Beach, FL. Bill attended the University of Alabama as an NCAA swimmer and member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. While there, he coached local AAU swimming teams. Bill began his career as a Boca Raton High School military history teacher, and swim coach. He was a five time Suncoast Conference Coach of the year. In 1980, he was awarded Boca Raton, "Teacher of the Year". In the mid 80's Bill joined the Johnson and Johnson/Merrill Lynch Realty Company where he was managing broker of the year and appointed VP of Merrill Lynch Realty for the Palm Beach County division. Bill was awarded The Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" and The Boca Raton News "Outstanding Citizen" Award, for his efforts creating The Golden Bell Foundation raising money for school funding. In 1997 Bill moved to Little Rock, AR to marry his current wife Cynthia Hester Barnes. He became the managing broker of the Rector Phillips Morse Real Estate Company and President of Referral Associates of Arkansas. Relocating to Bonita Springs, FL, in 2000, Bill built the Arvida/Coldwell Banker Realty Services. He served the Senior Managing Broker in the surrounding area. He enjoyed serving his community. He lead over 300 volunteers during the post Hurricane Charlie clean-up efforts, earning him recognition as a top Methodist Lay Leader in Florida. In 2008, he was selected as CEO of the Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors. In 2012 he formed The Bill Barnes Team as part of Berkshire Hathaway Realty. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Cynthia Hester Barnes; three daughters, Jennifer (Eric) Hertz, Tara (Greg) Olsen, Ashlee (John) Buanno; brother Jack (Ann) Barnes; grandchildren Crawford and Kendall Ann Olsen, Tressle and Fox Hertz, Cameron Cabana, and Leoni Buanno; brother-in-law Dan (Cindy) Hester; sister-in-law Laurie Hester (Gary) Kunsman; step-sons Chandler Odom and Dolen "Len" Odom. A memorial service will be held The Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3969 Mercer University Dr, Macon, GA 31204, on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 1:30PM. A second service will be held at The Glick Family Funeral Home, 3600 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33431 on November 28, 2015 from 3:00PM to 6:00PM. The family asks that any donations be made to The American Leukemia Foundation, PO Box 2270 Roswell, GA 30077 or at www.americanleukemiafoundation.com on behalf of George William Barnes III.
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Rich Dooley
January 27, 2016
I have only heard of Bill's passing this evening. Bill was a friend, a mentor, a professional and just a nice person. To Cynthia and the rest of Bill's Family I offer my deepest and sincerest sympathies.
Adieu, my friend.
Elizabeth Mancini
December 13, 2015
He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He was a wonderful gentleman who continued to teach and mentor his entire life. Prayers for him and his family.
Pat Fischer
December 3, 2015
Bill is a kind gentle man. He was a dear friend and will be missed by many. We met at Arvida Realty in Bonita Springs where we became friends. He had so many great stories of so many experience's in his life. We will miss him.
Pat and Janice Fischer
Bonita Springs Fl.
Mike Plum
November 16, 2015
Bill was a mentor, friend and "advesary" when discussing SEC football. Keen mind and sharp wit,a true Southern gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be sorely missed. Prayers to his family. "Roll Tide".
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Mike McLeod
November 16, 2015
Bill and I attended Miami Norland High School together. We were the class of '63. I have many fond memories of the Southern Gentleman from Ft. Valley, Georgia. He will be sadly missed. My condolences and deepest sympathy to his family.
November 14, 2015
So Sorry for your loss. May the GOD of all comfort help you and your fanily in this time of sorrow PSALMS 29:11
Paul Tarantino
November 13, 2015
I knew Mr. Barnes from attending Boca High in the early 1980's. He had a great sense of humor and was an awesome teacher.
RIP Mr. Barnes
November 13, 2015
I remember him fondly from my years at Boca Raton High School. He had a rather unique teaching style which made the often dull subject of history a lot more entertaining. He never patronized his students. He treated us as young adults and made it clear that he expected us to behave as such. I guess most important of all, he set a good example for us to follow. He was a good man and he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Frank Boros
November 12, 2015
Mr. Barnes was my high school history teacher at Boca High. To this day I remember him not only fondly but also vividly. He had a unique style of teaching that made you WANT to keep learning. There will only be one Mr. Barnes, that's for sure. He inspired me to serve my country and join the Army. The best advice ever. RIP, Mr. Barnes.
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3969 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31204
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