William Hatfield Barnes

Not one for formalities or sadness, Bill requested a Celebration of Life with Hawaiian / Colorful shirts, telling lots of stories, and cherishing memories of him. Please celebrate him by attending in your most colorful outfits!

Bill was born in Columbus, Ohio and is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Carol; his brother, Bradley; and his hound, Luna Mae. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Pauline Barnes.

Bill graduated from Titusville High School; received a degree from Florida Southern College where he was a proud "Vagabond" in the Drama Department; and received an MFA in Directing from the FSU School of the Arts.

His early working life included car sales, cemetery plot sales, and Burger King cook. He spent one year working at Jones High School, writing a Prospectus for a high school for the Performing Arts for Orange County Schools. Bill's career as a Union Stagehand began in the 1970s at Walt Disney World as a Technician at the Polynesian Luau, Top of the World at the Contemporary Hotel, and as a member of the "Ballroom Crew" - Techs for the Magic Kingdom, Conventions, and Special Events.

His career also took him all over the country with 4 Broadway show tours; served as House Carpenter at Bob Carr Auditorium; and held virtually every office for IATSE Local 631, most recently as Secretary Treasurer. Bill was a member of Local 631 for almost 50 years and was an early member of IATSE Local 477. He was a delegate to 8 International Conventions, most recently last summer in Hawaii.

Through Vanco Stage Lighting, he was on the Lighting Installation Crew for several attractions at Universal Orlando, his favorite being "E.T." He also worked for several films - his favorite was "Honky Tonk Freeway."

Hobbies in his early life were Cave Diving (his gift to Carol after their wedding would be Scuba lessons); later he enjoyed bike riding, building intricate wooden puzzles, collecting flashlights, and all things "Harry Potter."At ORMC, Bill was well-known for his "dog" shirts; Hawaiian shirts with photos of Luna Mae printed on them.

Bill was always a passionate champion for workers' rights, equal justice for all, and encouraged the development of training programs in the IATSE. He was a true friend and Brother to the Union. No remembrance would be complete without a mention of the endless stories, jokes, and puns.

Finally, his family appreciates the four years of care he received at the Orlando Health Cancer Center; especially from his oncologist, Dr. Jennifer Tseng. They also thank Cornerstone Hospice for their care and support.

So, as Bill would say, "I hope you enjoyed the show!"