Ules Lee Barnwell

LIEUTENANT COLONEL ULES LEE BARNWELL JR.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: CS-05

Ules Lee Barnwell Jr., known affectionately as "Lee" to his friends and "Ghee" to his grandchildren, was born on March 6, 1936, in Greenville, SC, to Ules Lee Barnwell Sr. and Ruby Gaines Barnwell. After a foundational year at Furman University, Lee arrived at the United States Air Force Academy as a member of the historic first graduating class.

While all members of the Class of 1959 earned their commissions, Lee was among the select few cadets to graduate with a specialized undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering. His early years were marked by both triumph and resilience; though local news lightheartedly noted he cleared his cadet restrictions just in time to graduate and marry, he faced the profound tragedy of losing his first bride in a car accident only six days after their wedding.

Lee later remarried and built a life centered on faith, family, and a wonder for God’s creation. Each time the family moved, he quickly found a new church home for his family and served in many areas of the church throughout his life. He was affectionately called Ghee by his four grandchildren. He dearly loved them and was proud of each one. He is survived by his three children: Ules Lee Barnwell III (Fretta), Lisa Sams (Wayne), and Jennifer Anderson (Trip); his four grandchildren, Stephen, Cassie, TJ, and Emma; and his brother, Rev. Ray Barnwell (Sue). He entered into heaven on October 16, 2022.

MILITARY SERVICE
Following graduation in 1959, Lee attended flight school and earned his wings, beginning a distinguished 24-year career as an Air Force pilot. His journey took him across the globe, a period of his life he recalled with great excitement.
Lee’s intellect led him to the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Dayton, Ohio, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. His service was a blend of operational flying and high-level engineering. During the Vietnam War, he served as a Commander with the 1st Civil Engineering Group at Tuy Hoa Air Base, earning the Bronze Star.
His career came full circle when he returned to the Academy as an Instructor of Engineering Mechanics. He also served at AEDC (Tullahoma, TN) and SAMSO, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving as the Chief of the Aircraft Compatibility Branch for the 3246th Test Wing at Eglin AFB.

MILITARY AWARDS & DECORATIONS
• Bronze Star Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal
• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross

A LEGACY OF FAITH AND WONDER
Lee was a man who "loved the Lord and was in awe of God’s creations." Whether he was living on a lake or near the ocean, he sought out the water, famously sailing his 32-foot sailboat in the Gulf of Mexico while stationed in Florida. He inherited a love of flowers from his mother, a passion he passed down to all three of his children, and he took great pride in creating beautiful gardens for his wife and family to enjoy.

His most enduring hobby, however, was written in the stars. A lifelong astronomer, Lee could often be found in his backyard peering through one of his many telescopes. This passion transitioned into a second career after his military retirement, as he taught Astronomy and Physics at Tri-County Technical College near Clemson, SC.

Even at 85, Lee’s "vigor for life" remained undimmed. He remained a fan of gadgets, chocolate, a good chili dog, and adventures—including a final ride on the Columbia Skywheel, which he declared "fantastic."

“The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another, and the stars another, and star differs from star in splendor.” — 1 Corinthians 15:41