William Bouldin Barnard

William Bouldin Barnard (Bill), age 79, a resident of Daphne, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022 after a brief illness.  Even though his passing was unexpected, the legacy of his loving heart will remain with those he touched throughout his life.

Bill was born in Beckley, WV and was a high school basketball star at Woodrow Wilson High School (class of 1960).  He went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business (class of 1964) on a basketball scholarship.  His love of basketball and sports remained and was on full display as he raucously cheered his grandchildren at all of their games (even though it may have gotten him removed from a few!).  In addition to sports, Bill was an avid gardener who also enjoyed traveling and cooking.  He and his late wife Karen enjoyed memorable trips to Alaska, Europe, Africa and Mexico.  Bill also enjoyed preparing meals for others and visiting around the dinner table.  He had a long standing and passionate love affair with his homemade cobbler and ice cream (as did everyone he served it to!).

Bill discovered his true passion and calling later in life when he became first a Stephen Minister and then a drug and alcohol addiction counselor.  His ability to connect with others and share a path to healing and recovery impacted countless people across Knoxville, TN and the Gulf Coast. While Bill loved being a counselor, he was most proud of being a father and grandfather.  His children and grandchildren were a source of great pride and he loved sharing stories of them with all of his friends and colleagues.  He was also a man of faith and he loved his church and church family.  His caring spirit and sense of humor will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Frances Barnard, his brother John Barnard, and his wife Karen Long. 

He is survived by his brother Bob Barnard (June) of Katy, TX, his three children Patricia Bell (John) of Daphne, AL, Jayne Godfrey (Tom) of Spanish Fort, AL and Scott Barnard (Jeanette) of Marlton, NJ and his 5 grandchildren Katie Godfrey (Florent), Jake Godfrey, Lily Bell, Olivia Barnard and Anna Barnard. He is also survived by his partner Sherry Fisk of Bay Minette, AL, his sister-in-law Christine Barnard of Charlotte, NC and his nieces Kelly Tabor (Britton), Jenny Barnard and Katy Barnard (Tristan); along with many other loving relatives and lifelong friends.

Celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 11:00 AM, at the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Daphne, AL.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

The Bridge United Methodist Church

3179 Mallet Road #18

D’Iberville, MS  39540

www.thebridgegulfcoast.org

Parkway Church

4270 Industrial Parkway

Eight Mile, AL  36613

www.parkway158.com

The Michael J. Fox Foundation

www.michaeljfox.org