William Bion Barnett died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on February 28, 2025. A fifth generation and proud native of Jacksonville, he was born on October 10, 1935, to William Randle Barnett and Frances Boykin Barnett. Bill attended the Bolles School and graduated from St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware, in 1954. He continued his education at Washington & Lee University, where he graduated in 1958 with a degree in Economics and Commerce. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. His post graduate studies included courses taken at the University of Virginia and Louisiana State University which helped prepare him for a long career in banking. In addition, he served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
Founded by his great-great grandfather, William Boyd Barnett in 1877, Bill spent his entire career devoted to the Barnett Bank. He also served as the Florida chairman of Robert Morris Associates, Committee Chairman of the Florida Banking Association, and board member of the Florida Industrial Development Corporation. He served Jacksonville as a member of the Symphony Association, Salvation Army NE Florida, Jacksonville Episcopal High School, Riverside Hospital, United Way, Evergreen Foundation, and WJCT Radio Station. The highlight of his volunteerism was his involvement with the Outward Bound School.
Bill was a member of the Meninak Club, Friars Club, Timuquana Country Club and the Ponte Vedra Club. Billy was popular and beloved by numerous childhood and lifelong friends with whom he enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing and traveling the world.
He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Anne Barnett Hazel. He is survived by his wife Sally Spangler Barnett, younger sister Marian Barnett Poitevent (Earl), and his three daughters, Randle Barnett Marchman (Jodie), Carson Spangler Barnett (Tom) and Liza Barnett Emmet (Patrick). He was a loved and cherished grandfather to Jordan Marchman (Ellie), Chandler Marchman (Hadia), Lesley Marchman Gittings (Kyle), Peyton Marchman Schneider (Dave), Walter Dubensky and Sam Dubensky, plus seven great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Avenue Jacksonville, Florida, followed by a reception at Timuquana Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mark’s Church.
Arrangements by Evergreen Funeral Home & Crematory (904) 353-3649.
Add Comment