On June 18, 1951, Mr. Joseph Barr “Joe Boy” was born to the late Lula Mae James and Joseph Columbus Barr Sr. in Jasper County. Mr. Barr was raised by both his grandparents, Mr. Johnnie and Mrs. Mammie Emma Barr. He grew up alongside his aunts and uncles, Ann Barr Smith, Charlie Barr, Carrie Lee Tinsley, Willie Mae Greenwood, Ella Florence, Johnnie Jr., Mammie Lee Barr Henderson, Ola Mae Smith, William Barr, Jessie Barr, Richard Barr, Ruby Barr Banks, Emma Kate Norman, Walter Lee Barr, Arrie Barr Steward, Debra Barr, Lester Barr, Mable Barr Gude and Mildred Barr Dennis.
“Joe Boy” loved music. He enjoyed playing instruments in his leisure time for his family and friends. Joe was somewhat a “music genius” because he learned to play both Piano and Guitar by ear. Joseph went as far as 11th grade and proceeded to further his career in construction. He worked in the pipe industry for many years. Mr. Barr also loved helping his friends and family members around their homes, fixing their cars, leaky faucets and even helping with gardening. In his pastime, Joe enjoyed fishing. Years later, “Joe Boy” became a proud father of a baby girl Calla Louise Barr. Later in life, he married Ms. Mary Nell Norman and gained three stepchildren, Brenda, Jan and Dexter.
Even though, Joe experienced his trials and tribulations in life; it is a blessing, we have all had a piece of “Joe Boy” in our lives whether it was on our couch or just sitting at our tables. Joe was glad he had the privilege of gaining a special friend, Mrs. Carrie White. A while back, “Joe Boy” joined the Rock Spring Missionary Baptist Church. He furthered his education in Coastal State Prison receiving a certification in building. While there, Joe was able to strengthen his reading and writing skills. Lastly, his final days were lived out comfortably in Social Circle, being cared for by his cousin and aunt.
Joseph entered eternal rest on Jan. 12, 2019, and is now reunited with his sister, Geraldine “Dede” Barr Lackey.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories, one brother, Ernest “Jack” Barr; one daughter, Mrs. Calla Louise and Christopher Henderson, three grandchildren, Anngalic Barr, Adrin Barr, Malana Barr; two great-grandchildren, Aniya Barnes, Kyian Holcombe and Skylar Grisham; aunts; uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and tons of friends in Covington and all around.
A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Jan. 19 at Rock Springs Missionary Baptist Church, at 2223 County Line Road in Mansfield with the Rev. Steven Thompson and the Rev. Robert Tinsley officiating.
The family of Mr. Joseph Columbus Barr would like to express their gratitude to each of you for your love and thoughtfulness during their hours of bereavement. A special thanks to Long Leaf Hospice, Walton Piedmont Medical, the Rock Spring Missionary Baptist Church, Mr. Marshall Mccart and the Staff of Lester Lackey and Sons Funeral Home. May God continue to bless and strengthen each of you.
