Craig Hodson Barr

Craig Hodson Barr, 74, of Bronson, died September 5, 2021. Craig was born in Winter Haven, Florida to George and Sylvia Barr. He attended Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia and later graduated from Golden Hills Academy in Ocala. Craig was an Army Veteran, serving our country in Germany. He made his home in Bronson after marrying Libby Brice in 1970.
Craig was a hard-working man, who was of great talent. You could always depend on him! He was often called on by many to fix or repair just about anything or to problem-solve difficult physical situations. If you were in a jam, he sure knew how to get you out of it! He made many friends along the way and will be greatly missed. He coached Little League baseball when his sons were young and helped lead Boy Scouts and was most valuable when it was Pine Wood Derby time as he always loved speed and racing! On many nights he could be found at a high school football game cooking homemade French Fries to help with fund-raising. Many homecoming floats were decorated at his home with his unique ability to improvise when necessary. If a project needed his help, Craig was there. He helped his sons, nephews, and nieces build Popeye's Boiled Peanuts, a summertime business that was very successful for many years, teaching them how to get up early, prepare a superb product (not eat all the profits!) and make deliveries all over town with a smile. He later volunteered as a BBQ chef extraordinaire at Grace Methodist Church in Gainesville, where he attended for many years. Craig had a true servant's heart, finding great joy in doing for others.
Craig's true passion was cars. He owned many cool sports cars over the years and loved fast ones and followed NASCAR religiously. Along with his brother George, he enjoyed heading to the races at Daytona. A highlight for Craig was meeting and being a guest of Rick Hendrick, owner of four NASCAR teams. Craig also loved fishing, a hobby that grew with his father-in-law and mentor, Buren Brice. Launching at Shell Mound, the two of them could be seen bringing in a boatload in all kinds of weather. Later Craig enjoyed fishing with his son Brice in Key West and once brought in a 49-pound dolphin! Craig loved anything family related and was always quick to help with any project, dinner, or gathering with a great smile. You can't think of Craig without remembering his devoted and beloved dog, Dixie. Both Dixie and Craig were popular among folks of all ages and left stories for the ages.
Craig worked several business ventures with his family. In his earlier years, he worked in Alaska on the pipeline; a job he greatly enjoyed. He operated the wrecker service for B & R Automotive and later was mill foreman at B K Cypress Log Homes in Bronson. He was always meticulous in his work and focused on quality and customer service. His work ethic inspired all who were privileged to work along side and for him. A spiritual man, Craig held weekly devotions with employees, always encouraging others.
Craig is survived by his wife of 51 years, Libby Brice Barr; 3 sons, Brice (Holly) Barr of Key West, Derek (Jan) Barr of Pawley's Island, South Carolina, and Ryan Barr of Bronson; two grandchildren, Ellison and George; older brother, George (Bobbi) Barr of Charleston, South Carolina; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at Shell Mound in Cedar Key on Thursday, September 23 at 4 pm. Officiating will be Dr. Denny Heiberg, former pastor of Grace Methodist Church and Craig's friend of many years. Attire is Cedar Key Casual for everyone. Craig's family welcomes everyone attending to gather at 83 West on Dock Street after the service. Knauff Funeral Home of Williston is honored to serve the Barr family during their time of transition.