Johnny Russell Barr

Johnny Russell Barr, aged 86, went home to be with The Lord on November 3, 2026, surrounded by his family whom he loved so dearly. Johnny was born the third of five children to Grady and Rubenia Barr on July 10, 1940, and was a lifelong resident in Center Ridge.

After serving a stint in the National Guard, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Mims and together they shared a life built upon God, family and each other for 62 years. He was a beloved husband, dad, and papa. Johnny worked for 43 years as a lineman, and later a construction superintendent where many looked to him as their teacher and mentor.

Apart from his work, Johnny loved fishing with his buddies at the Ross Barnett Reservoir, deer hunting, working in his shop, building his custom-made shooting houses, watching football, tending to his vegetable garden, and tinkering with his many projects.

Johnny was a Christian by faith and was a lifelong member of Unity Methodist Church in Center Ridge until it’s closing, and later a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Taylorsville.

Those who welcomed him into Heaven include his parents, Grady and Rubenia Blakeney Barr; and his brother, Gerald Barr, his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Edwin Byrd, and his sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Alex Henderson.

Those left to cherish his memory includes his beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn Mims Barr: his children, Dana (Calvin) Vowell, John (Cindy) Barr and Ben (Laura) Barr; his grandchildren, John Christian (Kelli Grace) Barr, Josh (Jenna) Vowell, Emily (John Matt) Musgrove, Ellie Barr and Eli Barr; his two special great-granddaughters, Emma Kate Barr and Gracie Barr; his sister, Betty Nedbalek, his sister-in-law, Lorraine Barr and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and an untold number of friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. Barr will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Musgrove Funeral Home (15823 Hwy 37 S, Taylorsville, MS 39168) at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Burial will follow the service at Unity Methodist Cemetery in Center Ridge.

Pallbearers are Gary Byrd, Tony Byrd, Ken Byrd, Matthew Byrd, Ryan Poe, Josh Vowell, John Christian Barr, and Eli Barr.

The Musgrove Family is honored to serve the Barr Family and to be entrusted with Mr. Barr’s arrangements. To view and sign his online guestbook, please visit www.musgrovefh.com

“Papa, we love you the mostest!”