Funeral Set For Tuesday For Woodland Middle School Principal

Editor’s note: the following obituary was submitted by Owen Funeral Home:

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Paul Lamar Barnes, Jr., 65, of Euharlee, GA, passed away Monday, May 18, 2015. He was born April 8, 1950, in Camilla, GA, the son of the late Paul Lamar Barnes, Sr. and Martha Cochran Barnes. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mr. John Ross Barnes.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carla Thornhill Barnes, and their three children, Paul, Kate, and Ross, all of Euharlee, GA. His sister Faye Barnes of Doerun, GA, as well as two nieces and five nephews also survive him.

After obtaining degrees from the University of Georgia, Valdosta State University, and the University of West Georgia, Mr. Barnes enjoyed a distinguished career as a school leader. A former science teacher, he began his tenure as a school administrator in Griffin, GA, before relocating to Bartow County in 1995.

He served as principal of South Central Middle School for four years before opening Woodland Middle School in 1999. A school system press release noted that Mr. Barnes “led with integrity and compassion and modeled true leadership for the staff and students under his care.”

Lamar and his family have been faithful members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Cartersville, where he served as a devoted teacher of both Sunday School and Discipleship classes, as well as serving in various church leadership positions.

Mr. Barnes loved his family, his friends, his church, and his school. He also loved travel and adventure, especially while experiencing it on his motorcycle.

Visitation will be held in the Trinity Family Life Center on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A service will be held immediately following visitation at 4:00 p.m. in the Trinity UMC Sanctuary with Reverend Dr. Kirk Bozeman and Reverend Mike Morgan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund through the Woodland Middle School office at 1061 Euharlee Rd, Euharlee, GA 30145.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, GA, is in charge of the arrangements.

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Photo credit: Bartow County School System