Harold Robert Barr, age 80, of Russellville, Arkansas, died Friday, January 9, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family. He was born June 12, 1945, in Harvey, Illinois, and moved to Arkansas as a small child. He and his wife, Carol Condray Barr, would soon have celebrated 40 years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Nellie Barr; and two brothers-in-law, Clyde Tooke and Buddy Wright.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Barr; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Liz Barr of Clarksville; a daughter and son-in-law, Erica Barr and Danny Dang of Livermore, California; four grandchildren, Madison Lane-Barr Osburn of Hot Springs, Jack Mitchell Barr of Smyrna, Georgia, Casey Oliver Barr of Clarksville, and Rylie Kate Dang of Livermore, California; and two sisters, Beverly Wright of Garfield and Sally Tooke of Pine Bluff.

Harold was an honest, principled man of deep faith whose life was defined by loyalty, service, and genuine care for others. His priorities were always clear: faith first, followed closely by family, friends, and community. Of all the roles he filled in his life, the one he treasured most was being a husband and father, and later, a grandfather. He was immensely proud of his children and their accomplishments, often speaking of them with pride and gratitude. He admired not only what they achieved, but who they became: people of character, integrity, and service, values he worked hard to instill and live out himself. Harold never ended a conversation with a family member without saying, "I love you!"

A devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Russellville, Harold had a deep love for the Jerry Burns Covenant Sunday School Class and faithfully served the church through numerous committees and building projects. Alongside his wife, Carol, he facilitated Financial Peace University for five years. Harold especially loved hearing the success stories from former participants who paid off debt and remained debt-free long after completing the class.

Harold was a longtime member of the Russellville (Noon) Rotary Club, where his commitment to service reflected his belief in giving back to the community that meant so much to him. He was proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow. Harold also served on the boards of MARVA Workshop and City Corporation and previously supported the Russellville Christian Clinic and the Chamber of Commerce.

He attended public schools in Bentonville and Gentry, AR. He earned a bachelor's degree in education at Southern Arkansas University (then Southern State College), where he played on the Muleriders Basketball team. He earned a master's degree in education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and a banking degree at the LSU Graduate School of Banking.

Professionally, Harold built two meaningful careers in education and banking, earning respect for his integrity, work ethic, and steady leadership. He was a teacher, coach, and principal throughout southern Arkansas, then Superintendent of the Clarksville Schools for several years. His banking career was at First Bank of Arkansas, Simmons Bank, and First Arkansas Valley Bank. He also had experience in marketing and insurance.

Outside of work and service, Harold found great joy in growing things and had a deep interest in farming, stemming from being raised on a farm. He particularly enjoyed discussing Michael and Liz's family farm, Five Barr Farms, which is managed by their son. He could often be found watching one of his favorite YouTube channels, Bells Farming, affectionately dubbed "Grandpop's Potato School" by his six-year-old granddaughter, Rylie.

Harold loved to travel and participate in activities that created many wonderful memories, including scuba diving in the Caribbean with Erica and family dog sledding in Alaska, embracing adventure with the same enthusiasm he brought to life. He showed love through action, often by building handmade wooden gifts for others, each one crafted with care. He also had a fantastic Donald Duck impression that never failed to bring laughter to those around him.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Harold's life will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Russellville First United Methodist Church officiated by the Rev. Dr. Tony Griffin under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Following the service, there will be a time of visitation and a cookie party to celebrate Harold's love of cookies.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Trustees Reserve, 304 South Commerce Avenue, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

Harold was previously interred in the columbarium at Rest Haven Memorial Park, in a private family ceremony.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.