Frank H. Barr, 92, died Wednesday, September 15, at Croasdaile Village. He was born in Greenville, SC to the late Walter Stuart and Nell McEachern Barr. A 1942 graduate of Maryville College, Maryville, TN, he majored in sociology and biology. At Maryville, he also enrolled in the US Navy Officers’ Training Program. Following graduation, Mr. Barr joined the navy and commanded a submarine chaser in the Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a lieutenant in 1946 and enrolled in the UNC School of Public Health, receiving his MSPH degree in sanitation in June 1947. Shortly after graduation, Mr. Barr began a long association with the Durham County Health Department. Starting as senior sanitarian responsible for the inspection of dairy farms, pasteurization and herd testing, he rose through the ranks to become the Director of Environmental Health. He retired from that position in 1983, having devoted his working life to providing a safe and healthy environment for his community.
Mr. Barr was active in several professional and community organizations, including the National Environmental Health Association. He was a member of the Durham Civitan Club, joining in 1963. He was also a devoted member of Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church, which he joined with Harriet in 1950. A longtime member of the Rams Club, Mr. Barr was a passionate supporter of UNC sports, particularly basketball.
Frank’s wife Harriet H. Barr, to whom he was married for 61 years, died in December, 2009. He is survived by daughters Elizabeth “Betsy” Barr of Williamstown WV and Barbara Anne Barr of New York City. He is also survived by two brothers, the Reverend Stuart Barr of New Philadelphia, OH and Dr. E. Byrd Barr of Oldsmar, FL. He was predeceased by daughter Susan Hylton Barr, who died in 1974, and brother, the Reverend James Barr of Long Island, NY, in July 2010.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church with Rev. Graham McChesney, parish associate, presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the UNC School of Public Health Foundation: Frank H. Barr Memorial Fund, c/o Office of External Affairs, Campus Box 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 or to Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church, 927 W. Trinity Avenue, Durham, NC 27701.
The Barr family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham.
Online condolences www.hallwynne.com , select obituaries.
ROBIN GODWIN
September 23, 2010 at 12:00 amDear Betsy and Barbara,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your father was such a kind and caring man. May your loving memories give you strength and peace, not just for now, but, for always..
Fondly,
Robin
Bart Goswick
September 23, 2010 at 12:00 amBarbara & Betsy,
So sorry to hear about your dad. Please let us know if we can do anything for you all. We’re still close by so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need something.
Bart & Alex Goswick from the neighborhood & from Trinity Ave. Pres. Church years back
Fred M Hoffman III
September 24, 2010 at 12:00 amBarbra and Betsy,
Miss them we shall. But they are just away.It’s a sad time for the heart, but have rejoice they are with the lord our god ,and those who have gone before him.
PAUL HORNBUCKLE
September 24, 2010 at 12:00 amBETSY AND BARBARA, MY FATHER ERNEST HORNBUCKLE AND FRANK WERE VERY GOOD FRIENDS AND CO- WORKERS. FRANK CAN JOIN HIM INSPECTING DARIES FOR THE GREAT LORD. SOMTHING THEY BOTH LOVED.