Obituary of William Paul Haynes

William Paul Haynes, known as Beau to his many loved ones, died following a long illness on April 4, 2025. He was 68 years old. Beau was born on November 27, 1956, in Tripoli, Libya, where his father was working as a geologist on assignment. After a few early years abroad, Beau and his family moved back to North Central West Virginia where he grew up and spent most of his life. He was an integral part of the Clarksburg and Fairmont communities, where he formed connections with people from all walks of life. Beau received an undergraduate degree and MBA from West Virginia University. He had many professions during his life, but he was most passionate in his role as a teacher. Beau taught accounting courses for many years, first at Salem-Teikyo University, and later at Fairmont State College. He was a beloved instructor who combined kindness and understanding with a unique ability to make the accounting material accessible and understandable. Throughout the years, he often encountered former students in his daily life who still recognized and remembered him for his positive impact on their lives. Beau had an insatiable desire for learning. He could always be found with at least one book in his hand (but usually more!). He loved history, philosophy, and mythology, and had an amazing depth and breadth of knowledge. Some of Beau's favorite authors included Gurdjieff, Ouspensky, and Dr. Maurice Nicoll. Beau also enjoyed studying languages, and he was an excellent conversationalist. He could talk to anyone about anything: you never got bored when you were around Beau! In addition to having a deep intellect, he enjoyed the smaller things in life, especially music, birdsong, and cooking. Beau also provided an essential lifeline to many different people. Beyond the friendship he gave to his many family members, friends, and students, Beau was a caregiver to relatives and friends who were in need. Beau spent many years taking care of people, helping them practically and emotionally through difficult periods in their lives without asking for anything in return. Beau was cherished by many in life, and he will be deeply missed. Beau is survived by his three sisters and their families: Edra Jane Fiocca of Plantation, Florida; Melissa Pilar and her husband Harry Walker Hooker of Cary, North Carolina; and Juliana Swanson and her husband David Swanson of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is also survived by his five nieces and nephews: Jared Swanson of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Zachary Swanson of Santa Monica, California; Miles Fiocca of South Florida; Mia Fiocca of Plantation, Florida; and Nicolas (Nick) Tarleton of Berkeley, California. Beau was preceded in death by his father, Robert Alexander Haynes, and his mother, Barbara Wyckoff Haynes. The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. In accordance with Beau’s wishes, cremation services will occur. There will not be any public services. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.