Deacon Joe Lee Barr Sr.

Joe L. Barr was born on June 11, 1937 in Hemingway, South Carolina. He was the second of three boys to the late Paul and Nette Barr. Joe's life was a testament to hard work, deep faith, and steadfast love for his family.

At just 17 years old, with the support and blessing of his mother, Joe left high school to enlist in the U.S. Army. While serving his country, he faithfully sent money home to help support his family. After earning an honorable discharge, Joe set out for New York with one mission-to find and be with the love of his life, Claretha Johnson.

Joe Barr met the love of his life, Claretha Johnson, years earlier while attending Battery Park School, Nesmith, South Carolina. After an honorable discharge Joe relocated to Newark, New Jersey where he lived with his Aunt Eliza Britton. This was intentional, so he could be close enough to reunite with his Clara, whom had already relocated to New York City for work. In 1959 they were married, beginning a loving union that lasted until her passing in 2004. Together, they raised four children: Linda (husband Joe), Regina (husband James), Janet (deceased), and Joey (wife Yvette).

Joe Barr had many odd jobs over the years. Joe worked for temporary agencies, drove a cab, worked at psychiatric hospitals and sold insurance. Joe eventually made a career at General Motors after completing an automotive course at Lincoln Technical Institute utilizing the GI Bill. Joe earned the respect of his colleagues for his dedication and integrity. Joe was a proud member United Auto Workers labor union. After 31 years of dedicated labor Joe retired with distinction from General Motors.

Joe Barr believed in the scripture, "It is good for men to fellowship together", Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Joe was led to join the Brotherhood of International Free and Accepted Modern Masons and was a founding member St. James Lodge #37. For over five decades Joe was an active member. Through many years of perseverance and dedication, in year 1989 Joe earned membership in Ezra 4 Royal Arch Chapter, where he attained his 33rd Degree and became a Shriner. Joe once told his son Joey, "I came looking for a brother but I found friends."

In 1974, Joe Barr joined St. John Baptist Church after being invited by Masonic Brother Clifford Alford. Joe later became a Trustee. After years of stewardship Joe was called by God and ordained to be a Deacon. Deacon Joe Barr's life was a testament of hard work, deep faith, and steadfast love for his family.

One of Joe Barr's greatest joys in life was his family. His children and mostly his grandchildren-Sheba, Sabrina, Ivy, Shakimiah, Nicole, Lamont "Lil Joe", Colin, Clifton, Shaun, and Jonathan-were his pride and joy. He was equally devoted to his five great-grandchildren, cherishing their visits, cheering them on in every endeavor, and sharing stories and lessons that will live in their hearts forever. Grandpa never forgot to send a Chricard with money.

Joe is survived by his children Linda (Joe Cunningham), Regina (James Dollard), and Joe Jr. (Yvette); his grandchildren Sheba, Sabrina, Ivy, Shakimiah, Nicole, Joe Lamont, Colin, Clifton, Shaun, and Jonathan; his five great-grandchildren; his brother Freddie (Trisha); and a host of special nieces and nephews which are too many to list. Joe has many loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Claretha, his daughter Janet, his brother Jim, and his parents, Paul and Nettie Barr. Though Joe has gone home to be with the Lord-and reunited with many loved ones-his legacy will live on with his family and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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