Robert Barr Jr.

Robert Barr, 94, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away on March 27, 2022. Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague. Born in North Tarrytown, New York, on October 21, 1927, to Robert & Jean Bond Barr, he is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean Phillips Barr; his sister, Jean Barr Galella; and his brother, John “Jack” McColl Barr. He is survived by his brother, George Bond Barr; his loving children, Barbara Barr Grigg (David Grigg) of Vernon, CT, Robert David Barr (Kathy Butterfield) of Centreville, VA, and Nancy Ellen Barr, of Birmingham, AL; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

From a young age, Robert always showed his optimistic outlook, his enthusiastic demeanor, and his penchant for hard work. He filled those around him with joy, and humored them with his many stories! He cherished his family and friends, and left each of us better off for having known him. He welcomed others with warm hospitality – no one was a stranger to Robert Barr – and he formed long-lasting friendships wherever he lived and welcomed lively conversations and connections with anybody he met.

After graduating high school in 1945, Robert attended the New York State Merchant Marine Academy at Fort Schuyler, which shaped the trajectory of his life. Robert relished the discipline, the rigorous academic challenges, and the navigational training, which allowed him to travel internationally and fostered his love of the sea. He remained close to many of his Academy classmates throughout his life, and organized several class reunions.

After the Maritime Academy, Robert headed to Miami University, Oxford, OH, where he served as Chapter President of Sigma Chi his senior year. He met Jean Phillips in freshman English. They courted until his graduation weekend in June 1952, when they married and became a “Miami Merger” for 64 years, ending only with Jean’s death in February 2017. Miami always figured predominately in his activities, as he joined local alumni chapters wherever he lived, served as Alumni Association President in 1970-71, traveled back to campus for football games and reunions, and enjoyed several Miami Alumni cruises in retirement.

Robert accepted a US Navy commission in August 1952 and served in the Korean War as a service officer on the USS Telfair. Robert began his career at Eastman Kodak in 1954 in Rochester, NY. His Kodak career spanned 35 years and took him and his family to Buffalo, Dallas, Atlanta, and Orlando. His joy in photography was evident in any conversation with him about work. He especially relished his final Kodak posting as Operating Manager of EPCOT’s Journey into Imagination Pavilion at Walt Disney World, Florida. His magnanimous personality and love for “Disney Magic” made him the perfect host to any visitor to the Pavilion, from the smallest child to the most famous celebrity. He was also active in the Big Brother program while living in Atlanta. In later years, he devoted a significant amount of his time and talent to Give Kids the World, a philanthropy which hosts terminally ill children and their families for visits to central Florida attractions.

Robert’s family was his heartbeat, and he loved taking trips with them. Robert’s love of his Scottish heritage was infectious, and he was thrilled to have visited Scotland several times. Another highlight was serving as the Master of Ceremonies at the Stone Mountain Highland Games for over twenty years. He presided over numerous other Scottish Games around the Southeast. His booming voice and friendly presence were made for announcing. He was a founder of the Atlanta Pipe Band and spent many Sunday afternoons practicing his bagpipes at Stone Mountain Park with Tippy, the family’s beloved Sheltie. Robert and his wife were also very active members of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

Robert enjoyed many happy years in retirement in Orlando and then DeLand, FL, serving in the community Men’s Club, visiting his children and grandchildren, and taking other trips with Jean. Just for fun, he started modeling, appearing in several local advertisements and in a national commercial promoting grapefruit (which he loved!). Surprisingly, he was cast against type as a prison inmate extra in a Hulk Hogan movie. But he went to great lengths for his art, which meant that, for a week before filming, he went without shaving.

Robert’s three children will not forget his devotion to Jean during her battle against Alzheimer’s. After Jean’s passing, he joined The Cloisters Community in DeLand, where he met his dear companion, Iris Scammell. In 2020, Robert moved to the Sunrise at Fair Oaks senior living center in Fairfax, VA.

The Barr Family would like to thank the staff of The Cloisters for his happy residency there. Additionally, the family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Sunrise at Fair Oaks. The community at Sunrise is warm and welcoming, a perfect match for Robert’s sunny disposition, and they dealt with some very difficult situations that arose from the pandemic in the best way they could for residents. Even more, the respect, grace and caring shown to Robert during his final days was superb in every way.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Friday, May 6, from 2:00 - 4:00pm, at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, 115 Fort Evans Road, Leesburg, Virginia. All are welcome. An additional family ceremony honoring both Robert and Jean Phillips Barr will be held at Miami University later in 2022.

In lieu of flowers, the Barr Family invites you to donate in his name to any of the following charities:

• Miami University - Robert and Jean Phillips Barr Scholarship Fund - https://www.miamioh.edu

• Give Kids the World - https://www.gktw.org/

• The Alzheimer’s Foundation - https://alzfdn.org

• United Methodist Church Children’s Home, Orlando, FL - https://www.fumch.org