Former Muscogee County School District principal, longtime educator dies at 71
Ed Barnwell, who was a former principal of two Muscogee County schools, died Thursday at St. Francis Hospital, according to Charles E Huff International Funeral Home of Columbus.
He was 71. Funeral arrangements are pending.
His wife, retired Fort Middle School guidance director Alice Barnwell, told the Ledger-Enquirer that he died from blood clots in his lungs but didn’t have COVID-19.
Barnwell started his education career with the Muscogee County School District in 1972 as an industrial arts teacher at Marshall Junior High School. After working as an assistant principal and principal in Talbot County, he returned to MCSD in 2000 as assistant principal of Midland Middle School. He became principal of Eddy Middle School in 2001 and served as principal of Kendrick High School from 2001-2008.
At St. James AME Church, Barnwell was a steward, finance committee member and Sunday school superintendent.
He was known as a gentle giant.
At 6-foot-5, Barnwell was an imposing figure at first glance, but his personality wasn’t intimidating.
“He was a very calm person,” retired Dawson Elementary School principal Clemon DeRamus told the L-E. “He didn’t let anything excite him. He was serious about his work.”
Barnwell was a principal focused on principles.
“He was concerned about students excelling, being successful in life, being good citizens,” said DeRamus, who also was assistant principal at Carver and Hardaway high schools. “He wanted them to make something out of themselves. Don’t just exist but live and provide service for your community and your family.”
Barnwell lived that example through his vocation and avocation.
In addition to being a professional educator, he volunteered in the community through the local chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, even in retirement. He was treasurer, mentored students at Davis Elementary School and led the foundation and annual golf tournament, which raises money for college scholarships awarded to high school seniors throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.
MCSD chief academic officer Keith Seifert was the district’s secondary education director when Barnwell was a principal.
“He was an outstanding educator who exemplified true servant leadership to his students, parents and staff,” Seifert told the L-E via email. “. . . I could always count on him to be a team player among the high school principals. His calm demeanor during stressful situations exemplified his ability as a school leader. I am going to miss Dr. Barnwell and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 3:03 PM.
