Willard “Will” Alan Barnes

Willard “Will” Alan Barnes, 56, of Columbus, GA departed this life peacefully Sunday, April 14, 2024 at his residence.

A Celebration of life will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, April 18, 2024 at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Shane Green officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 prior to the service at the church, 2101 Wildwood Ave. Columbus, GA according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Will was born July 5, 1967 in Lakeland, FL to Frank Wayne Barnes and the late Joyce Brennan. He was a very well known and respected Architect throughout the Southeast as a partner in the firm, Barnes, Gibson Partners Architects, Inc, and held a Bachelor Degree of Architecture from the School of Architecture, Auburn University.

Will’s passion for architecture was immeasurable; not only in terms of building design, but in the lasting relationships he made over the years with his clients and other professionals. He shared his skills and knowledge tirelessly as a mentor to many students and interns. A reliable sounding board to his fellow colleagues, Will’s enthusiasm for the architectural world was contagious. Will’s project experience included Mixed-Use Development, Large Scale Multi-Family Projects, Neighborhood Commercial Rehabilitation and numerous feasibility and master planning efforts.

His creativity was not limited to his professional life. He showed his love for his wife, sons, extended family, employees and his three cats in inventive and amusing ways. Will served on Boards and Committees in Columbus to include Columbus Technical College Board of Trustees, the Midtown, Inc. Executive Board, The Columbus Downtown Development Authority, founding board member of Dragonfly Trails, Inc., the Board of Historic and Architectural Review.

A vital part of Will’s life was his love of fishing and especially competing in multi-state tournaments. His many trips to Dead Lakes with his friends and fellow fisherman were a highlight in his life.

Survivors include his wife, Christy Griffin Barnes, sons Gary Griffin Barnes of Chattanooga TN, Henry Shaw Barnes of Columbus, GA, father Wayne Barnes (Martha Smith) of Alexander City, AL, brother, Frank Barnes (Natalie) of Birmingham, AL, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Boys & Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley. 1700 Buena Vista Road, Columbus, GA. www.bgc-colsga.org