Carson H. Barnes Jr., 94, of New Point, Va., passed away on September 18, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Polly Tucker White Barnes; daughters, Jane Barnes Gregorits and Elaine Barnes Watkins (Steve) of Williamsburg, Va.; grandchildren, John David Gregorits, Katherine Jane Heath (Calvin), Kelly Hunter Watkins, Curtis Neal Watkins (Emily), and Stephanie Diane Watkins; great-granddaughters, Gracie Tucker Heath and Miriam Robinson, and nieces and nephews. Carson was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Odelle B. Morgan.
During a 40-year career in the education field, Carson served as a college history professor, dean, and athletic coach. Born on November 14, 1930 on the Eastern Shore in Bloxom, Va., he was the son of Carson H. Barnes Sr. and Jewell Brown Barnes. On October 24, 1954, he married Polly Tucker White of Parksley, Va.
Carson holds a B.A. degree from Randolph-Macon College (1952), an M.Ed degree from University of Virginia (1959), and a JD degree from William and Mary Law (1975). He played varsity baseball and football in college and played six years in the Eastern Shore League and was a scout for the Baltimore Orioles. He began his career in the field of education when he was a teacher of history and government and a coach of football and baseball at Parksley High School from 1952 until 1954. He was Ferrum College’s Assistant Dean, professor of history, and football coach from 1956 to 1959. The next 32 years he served as Dean of Men, Dean of Students, and Director of Special Programs at the College of William and Mary, retiring in 1991. Fraternally, he held membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Phi Delta Phi national legal fraternity. He was on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 as an Intelligence Analyst, ADSEC HQ, Verdun, France, and was discharged from Army Reserve in 1962. He served two terms as President of the Virginia Association of Student Personnel Administrators, 1966-68. He received the Public Service Award from W&M Alumni 1993. In 2010, he was inducted into Ferrum College’s Sports Hall of Fame.
The family would like to thank his caregivers, Alverta Jones and Sharon Johnson, for their loving care.
Carson said he wanted to be remembered as a dedicated son, husband, father, and grandfather who tried to use his talents to benefit others.
No public service will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Comfort Church, 5555 New Point Comfort Highway, Susan, Va. 23163 or a charity of your choice.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements by the Williams Funeral Homes, Parksley, Va. and Onancock, Va.