William Lawrence Barnwell

On a cold winter day on December 14, 1935, Pauline and Luther Barnwell welcomed their baby boy, William Lawrence Barnwell, into the world.  When Pauline found out she was pregnant, she confided in her younger sister, Rose, that she was going to have a son and that he would grow up to be a doctor.  His was a humble and loving childhood spent in his hometown of Oxford, Alabama.

An only child, Bill, or ‘Billy,’ as he was called, excelled in school.  He played trumpet in the band and was elected class president.  A graduate of Vanderbilt University, he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) Fraternity, and from there he went on to attend and graduate from The University of Alabama School of Medicine.

While a medical student, he met the love of his life, Barbara O’Delle (Delle) Gantt.  They both sang in the choir at First Baptist Church, Birmingham, and married in 1962.  He graduated from medical school in 1964 and furthered his training at Tulane University, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the field of Ophthalmology.

A veteran of the United States Army, he served as a medical officer in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Captain.

His professional life began in 1970 when he moved to Dalton to open his practice in Ophthalmology, which would evolve into Professional Eye Associates.

A devout Christian throughout his life, he was baptized as a child at First Baptist Church of Oxford, Alabama.  He and his family joined First Baptist Church of Dalton soon after their arrival to town.  Being very involved in the church, he was ordained as a deacon and, together with his wife, Delle, taught Sunday School for over 50 years.  One who loved music, he and Delle enjoyed singing in the church choir.  Over the years, he participated in several overseas medical mission trips.

He was a member of the Dalton Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.  He served as President of the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology and President of the Medical Staff at Hamilton Medical Center.  He served on the board of the Oscar Jones Foundation in Dalton and volunteered his time at the Elbert Shaw Regional Youth Detention Center, where he taught young people to read.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Luther and Pauline Lawrence Barnwell, and his son, Madison.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Delle, as well as his daughter Lillian and son Bart (fiancé Layne).

Dr. Barnwell died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, October 17, 2024, surrounded by his family.  A man of gentle spirit, he touched the lives of many, and inspired others with his quiet, calm demeanor and purposeful life.  He loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and he loved his family.  He was everything known to man, he will be remembered.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks and appreciation to the many caregivers who provided loving care for him.

The family will receive friends for visitation in the Atrium of First Baptist Church, Dalton, Georgia (311 N Thornton Ave, Dalton GA 30720), on Sunday, October 27, beginning at 2:00 P.M.  A funeral service for Dr. Barnwell will follow in the Church Sanctuary at 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly asks that donations be made to the Rapha House Scholarship Fund (Click link below OR make checks payable to Christ Church Presbyterian Church, with Rapha House Counseling Fund in the memo line; 510 S Tibbs Rd, Dalton GA 30720) or to First Baptist Church of Dalton (Click link below OR make checks payable to First Baptist Church Dalton, 311 N Thornton Ave, Dalton GA 30720) .

Rapha House Scholarship Fund

First Baptist Church of Dalton