News Summary
Thomas C. Barnwell Jr., a prominent community leader on Hilton Head Island, marks his 90th birthday. Known for his advocacy in affordable healthcare and housing, he has significantly shaped local social initiatives. His contributions include developing affordable housing units and environmental advocacy against industrial projects. Despite battling prostate cancer, Barnwell reflects on his legacy, emphasizing the importance of community and heritage as he celebrates this milestone surrounded by his family.
Hilton Head Island – Thomas C. Barnwell Jr., a significant figure in the history and development of Hilton Head Island, is celebrating his 90th birthday while reflecting on a lifetime of contributions to his community. Recognized as an outspoken community leader, Barnwell was honored with an induction into the Hilton Head Island Hall of Fame in 2013 for his extensive efforts in various social and economic initiatives.
Throughout his life, Barnwell has made impactful strides in enhancing affordable health care, developing public water systems, and providing economic and educational opportunities for those in need. He has dedicated himself to championing affordable housing, successfully overseeing the development of 100 affordable housing units across five projects on Hilton Head Island between 1978 and 2000.
Barnwell has also played a pivotal role in environmental advocacy, notably opposing the establishment of a petrochemical plant in Bluffton. He founded the Hilton Head Fishing Cooperative, showcasing his commitment to local sustainability and community engagement.
Despite the island’s rapid urbanization, Barnwell resides on the Katie Miller Drive, which is named after his grandmother, in a more rural part of the island. His roots on Hilton Head date back generations, tracing his family lineage to Caesar and Mariah Jones, who sought freedom during the Civil War and likely settled in Mitchelville. This deep connection to the land has shaped Barnwell’s perspectives and community values over the years.
Currently, Barnwell is undergoing his second battle with prostate cancer. He has been married to Susan Carter Barnwell for 52 years, and the couple has three children. Two of his children, Thomas “Curtis” Barnwell III and Paulette Barnwell Ervin, remain active in the Hilton Head community, while their son Jason S. Barnwell works for Microsoft in Seattle.
Born in the Squire Pope area, Barnwell witnessed enormous transformation on Hilton Head Island, which, during his childhood, lacked basic infrastructure such as bridges, electricity, and health facilities. His grandfather, Benjamin Walter White, was a notable landowner and farmer who emphasized the importance of land preservation.
Throughout his early life, Barnwell’s parents were key figures within the Gullah community, with his mother, Hannah White Barnwell, being instrumental in health care and child care services. In 1968, Barnwell became acutely aware of a significant health crisis among children in the area concerning intestinal parasites, after connecting with Dr. Donald Gatch. His compelling testimony regarding this issue was presented to the U.S. Senate Select Subcommittee on Nutrition and Human Needs in 1969, eventually leading to the creation of the Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services Inc., where he served as director for a decade. In acknowledgment of his contributions, the organization’s administrative building in Okatie is named after him.
In light of contemporary issues, Barnwell expresses concerns that modern commuting and advances in technology may undermine family cohesion and reduce appreciation for heritage. He fervently hopes that his extensive documentation and legacy will serve as a guiding force for future generations of his family, emphasizing the importance of community, heritage, and the continual struggle for social equity.
As Thomas C. Barnwell Jr. celebrates his 90 years, he stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of community service and family legacy on Hilton Head Island, leaving behind a lasting impact on those who continue to call the island home.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Celebrating Thomas C. Barnwell Jr.’s 90th Birthday
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- The State: Community Contributions of Local Leaders
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island community
- Golf Digest: Best Public Golf Courses on Hilton Head Island
- Google Scholar: Thomas C. Barnwell Jr.
- Island Packet: Community Perspectives on Modern Challenges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Stacker: Highest Rated Italian Restaurants on Hilton Head Island
- Google News: Hilton Head Island
