Pictured, from left, are Baptist Easley CEO Michael Batchelor; Garnet Barnes’ nephew Mike Freeman, Baptist Easley Board Member Robert Dye, Mrs. Polly Barnes; Baptist Easley Board Chairman Greg Rusnak and Barnes’ nephew Freddie Freeman.

EASLEY — The Board of Directors of Baptist Easley Hospital passed a resolution honoring Garnet A. Barnes at its September meeting.

Barnes, who died in March 2013, served for 27 years on the Boards of Palmetto Health and Easley Baptist Hospital and helped lead the construction of a new patient wing, along with both a state-of-the-art Emergency Department and Birthplace wing. He continued to be a strong supporter of Baptist Easley Hospital and was responsible for encouraging and overseeing the advancement of the hospital to its present position as the provider of choice for Pickens County.

The resolution expressed Baptist Easley’s deep appreciation to Garnet Barnes for his many years of service and dedication to the hospital. A copy was presented to Polly Barnes, his beloved wife of 67 years, as an expression of sincere appreciation.

Barnes was born in Liberty on March 13, 1924, and lived most of his life in Pickens County. He was a 1942 graduate of Easley High School and a member of the Easley Athletic Hall of Fame and held track and field records that stood for many years. He attended Furman University and served as a Trustee, founded Barnes Real Estate and Barnes Insurance Agency in Easley, and dedicated his life to the improvement of the Easley community and helping businesses and individuals. He was a recipient of the State of South Carolina’s highest award, the Order of the Palmetto.