Mr. John Barr passed away peacefully at his home in Franktown on Dec. 15, 2024, with his wife and daughters by his side. Never one to back down from a challenge, John courageously and tirelessly fought his way through leukemia 14 years ago and was faced with the task of fighting once again.
At the age of 18, John joined the Virginia State Police as a dispatcher and led a very rewarding 34-year career before retiring as a first sergeant in 2004.
Once retired, John could be found most of the time somewhere on the Chesapeake Bay with a fishing rod in his hand chasing after the big flounder.
John’s biggest accomplishment and the one he was the proudest of was the life he and his beautiful bride, Sharon, built right here on the Eastern Shore. Their 40 years of marriage brought together daughters Nykki Kellam and Traci Chewning, who together promoted him to the title of Grandpa. This would be the title he loved and cherished the most. John was an amazing Grandpa to Jagger, Marcie, Mark, Emma, Scott, and David. He was always either throwing a baseball around with them, attending ballet recitals, baseball and softball games, or theatrical plays, or working on the “Z” and reminding them how proud he was of each of them and how much he loved them.
Although not ready to let go, left to treasure all the memories made, the lessons taught, and many beautiful rides on the pontoon are his wife, Sharon (Toots); daughters, Traci and Nykki, and a special son-in-law who was more like a son to him, CJ; his brother, Lin Barr; and sister, Ronna Dickenson, along with grandchildren, Jagger, Marcie, and Emma Rickards, and Mark, Scott and David Chewning; and special feline companion, Rascal.
John was predeceased by his mother, Mattie Barr, and sister, Donna Hatfield.
During his last few weeks John had shared with a friend that he had done everything he wanted in life, that he accomplished all he could have hoped to, but if he had one regret it is that he wished he had found his beautiful bride Sharon 10 years earlier so they could have spent more time together.
The family would like to thank Shore Hospice for the amazing care and support that has been shown to John and his family during this past week. Special thanks to Dr. Nicholas Drake, Dr. Jacob Greenberg, and Dr. Lloyd Kellam III for all of their medical support, advice, and care given to John during this difficult time.
A private service will be held for immediate family with Pastor Tammy Estep officiating. A celebration of life for all those whose lives were touched by John will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shore Hospice and/or The American Cancer Society.
Family and friends may sign the guest book at www.hollandfuneralhome.net
Arrangements were made by the Holland Funeral Home at Nassawadox.
