Donald Bardic

Dr. Donald Ray Bardill, 91, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on Nov. 23, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born in Lancing, Tennessee, he spent his childhood in Wartburg and grew up in St Paul's Lutheran church. It was there that he married his beloved wife, Joyce Garrett, in 1956. Some may remember Ray as the quarterback of the undefeated football team at Central High School, coached by the late Homer Rice, in 1951.
Ray dedicated his life to serving others and helping them find a courageous and truth-filled path through life. He attended the University of Tennessee, earning his B.A. in Psychology and his Master of Social Work, before receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from Smith College in 1967. He served in the United States Army for 20 years, retiring in 1978 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after serving as Chief of Staff of Social Work at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. During his service, Ray was awarded the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit, one of the nation's most prestigious military decorations.
While in Washington, D.C., Ray taught as a part-time professor at The Catholic University Graduate School of Social Work and served as a periodic lecturer at the Smith College School of Social Work. Following his military career, Ray served for 24 years at Florida State University as professor and dean of the School of Social Work and later held an honorary Visiting Professorship at the University of Utah. He also dedicated many years to private practice, helping individuals and couples through marriage and family therapy practice. A leader in his field, Ray served as National President of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He authored three professional books and contributed widely to his field, through articles, and numerous professional workshops.
A lifelong Lutheran, Ray was a devoted member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, LCMS, in Tallahassee, where he served on the Board of Elders, taught the adult Sunday school class, advised new pastors, and offered steady, kind, and Christlike leadership during times of transition. His faith was central to his life, and he often quoted his favorite verse, John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Ray is survived by his wife Ray is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joyce Garrett Bardill; two daughters, Amy Jean Meyer and Amanda Jane Spence; son-in-law, Mark Spence; and five grandchildren, Sara Jane Spence Bailey, Anna Bardill Spence, Madeleine Joyce Meyer, Christian Taylor Spence and Samuel Carl Bardill Meyer.
He joins his son, Christian Garrett Bardill (d. 1960) and his son-in-law, Larry Meyer (d. 2022), in Heaven. He will be deeply missed, but his family takes comfort in knowing he is now enjoying eternal life with Jesus and that they will one day be reunited.
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