Obituary of William-Jackson Barnard

Capt. William Jackson Barnard, USN (Ret.), 95, of Merlin, Oregon, died at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and David Nelms, on Saturday, July 17, 2010. Bill or "Barney", as he was known to many who worked with him over the years, was born in Amory, Mississippi on November 26, 1914. He grew up in Somerset, Kentucky and Birmingham, Alabama. before joining the Navy in 1932. He was the second-born of four boys and one sister, all deceased. He joined the navy in 1932 as a seaman recruit and retired in 1956 to end a 24-year career as Captain and Naval Aviator, having traveled throughout the Americas, the Pacific and the Far East. He met and married the love of his life, Lt. Annette H. Hobbie, a Navy Nurse, in 1954. Annette passed away in 2007 at the age of 91. After retiring from the Navy, Bill began a second career with the California Aeronautics Commission and a third career as Sonoma County Aviation Director, leading a total overhaul and expansion of the Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California. He retired completely in 1976, and he and Annette traveled extensively in North America and Europe for a few years before settling in Port Orange, Florida. Throughout his life, he was active in everything life had to offer. He especially valued his many friendships and was a 32nd degree Mason. He was a lifelong member of the Scottish Rite, the Masonic Shrine, and the Order of Eastern Star. He and Annette were active members of the United Church of Christ in Port Orange, and he was a member of the Port Orange, Florida City Planning Board. He was loved and respected by his many friends and was an inspiration to his family. Although he loved to recount his many and varied life experiences, Bill lived in the present. He loved working in the yard and growing flowers. He kept up with world news. He loved people, had a great sense of humor, and was eager to try new things and go new places. Learning and education were a priority. He wrote poetry and was named honorary "poet laureate" of the Hugo Ladies Club. In 2003 he wrote Eagle Wings and Mustang Tales, his life story, edited and published by Julie and David. In 2005 he and Annette moved with Julie and David to Merlin, Oregon to be closer to extended family. Although he lost most of his sight to macular degeneration over his last 20 years, it didn't stop him. He loved reading, and thanks to the blind library and talking books, he was an avid reader until the end. He loved life and fought to the end to sustain it. He is survived by Anne Taylor of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland; Julie Nelms, Merlin, Oregon; Catherine Holmes, Arvada, Colorado; Patrice Barnard of San Antonio, Texas; and 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He had a special rapport with animals and is missed by Velcro, Molly and Leroy, whom he gathered every evening for a snack. Private interment of Bill and Annette will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, the date yet to be determined. Contributions may be made in Bill's memory, to Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th St, Grants Pass, OR 97526. Our deepest thanks go out to the very special people of this organization, for all their love and compassion and professionalism. Special thanks especially to Shannon, RN, Tanya, HHA, Chaplain Pat, Laurie, SW, and Jill, volunteer. Your warm concern and consistent professionalism were truly invaluable. Also, special thanks to Trinity Home Care, Karen, Jenna, Carol & Rick who stayed by our sides from the beginning and loved him.