Community mourns passing of retired FSU PC professor, former associate dean Jerome Barnes

The FSU Panama City community is mourning the passing of former professor and associate dean William Jerome Barnes, 77, of Panama City, who died Wednesday, April 22. He was described as a devoted husband, father and teacher who lived a life marked by wisdom, integrity and faith.

“Jerome was one of the nicest people I have ever known,” said Randy Hanna, dean of FSU Panama City. “He was passionate about and cared for his students. … Plus, he was a great engineering professor.”

Former FSU PC dean Ken Shaw described Barnes as “one of a kind, a man of his word with extraordinary integrity. He was an exceptional engineering professor and deeply loved by his students.”

According to the obituary shared by Southerland Family Funeral Home, Barnes earned his master’s degree at the University of South Florida, later completing his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Georgia Tech. His career began as a research engineer at Naval Support Activity Panama City before transitioning into academia. He served as an engineering professor at USF and later at Florida State University Panama City campus, eventually taking on a role as the first associate dean at FSU PC, working with Dean Larry Bland.

Barnes pursued a Master of Divinity beginning in 1998, serving as pastor of Ebro Baptist Church, associate pastor of City Church (formerly Northside Baptist Church), and pastor of Seagrove Baptist Church. He returned to Florida State University as a professor from 2008 to 2025, but his influence extended beyond the classroom.

He was only 16 years old when he began teaching Sunday School to middle school boys. He continued teaching a variety of Bible study classes throughout his life, including at Emerald Coast Fellowship for the past 18 years.

Born to Frank and Lorell Barnes on August 30, 1948, in Dothan, Alabama, Barnes is survived by his brother, Jerry (Deborah) Barnes, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was husband to Marlene Barnes for 58 years, and father to Becki (Dennis) Dean and Christi (Steve) Taylor, as well as the proud grandfather of Bethany Dean and Ali and Austin Taylor.

A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, at Emerald Coast Fellowship, 4102 Highway 390 in Lynn Haven. Dr. Steve Taylor will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Neverthirst Wells. Online donations may be made through EmeraldCoastFellowship.com.