Danny Dean Barr

It is with great sadness that the family of Danny Dean Barr announce his passing on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Bowers Hospice House with his daughter, Tara, by his side. He had just celebrated his 86th birthday.

A proud lifelong resident of Sophia, Danny was born on May 9, 1938, at Woodbay, WV to Arthur "Ott" Barr and Louise (Rutherford) Barr.

Danny led a full and rewarding life. He saw each day as a new and exciting opportunity. People were drawn to Danny's sly wit, approachable manner, and mischievous nature. Even in illness he never complained but instead managed to display his signature grin and infectious laugh that put others at ease. Doctors, nurses, and service staff called him their favorite patient and would find an occasion to swap stories, share a laugh, watch part of a war movie with him or, in some instances, unashamedly weep at the circumstance of their newfound friend. He was also a masterful storyteller and loved recounting his life experiences. He could make laboring in Washington constructing swimming pools or in Chicago building lathe machinery sound as exciting as his reflections on participating in the Midwest Karate Competition. You could almost feel the energy and sounds in the arena as he proudly described where, as a purple belt, he advanced among over 300 competitors to rounds with more mature brown belt holders. He was currently in 4th place when he suffered three cracked ribs that forced him to withdraw. Danny continued his training and eventually achieved the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt. He particularly enjoyed telling of his time spent as a proud U.S. Marine (his vehicles were adorned with Marine license plates and stickers and even his refrigerator has a magnet or two).

After his service to his country Danny returned to WV, worked as a Truck Machine Operator for Eastern Coal Company at Stotesbury for over twelve years, resumed his education and earned his GED. He passed the West Virginia Mine Foreman's Exam shortly before being laid off in 1986. That is when he decided to get involved in his town's government and sought a seat on the Sophia Town council. In his first attempt he won the vacant council seat and got more votes than any of the other winning candidates. In 1991 he ran for Mayor of Sophia and held that position for the remainder of his life, with the exception of a brief hiatus in the 1990's for health reasons.

Danny loved Sophia. It was his home and he worked hard every day in service to his town. In better health he could often be viewed riding his bike or jogging (up Tam Mountain or on railroad tracks to Winding Gulf). He had many interests, but by far his favorite pastime was working in his garden where he truly had a gift. Most Sophia residents can attest to the abundance of fruits and vegetables raised at his hand, most of which were freely given to them as a gesture of his good will. To increase that yield, he had recently secured a grant from the USDA for a High Tunnel System.

In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his brothers Herbert and Donald and sisters, Regina "Honey" Adams, Wilma Whittaker, and Patty "Sissy" Johnson. He also mourned the loss of Riley, who was his constant canine companion and who could be seen regularly patrolling the property.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 56 years, Sharon "Sherrie" Bullick Barr of Sophia, daughter, Tara Melanie Barr of Beckley, son John Garrett "Gary" Bullick of Beckley; sister-in-law Linda Carol  Bullick of Beckley;  brother-in-law John Michael Bullick of Beckley, sister Connie Cadle and husband Bill of Ravenswood, best friend, Mark Ford of Beckley, numerous nieces and nephews, canine pal Chance, numerous friends including Randy and Jeanie White, Rob and Sheila Godbey, Peter Wu and Shirley Lin.

In accordance with his wishes, Danny will be cremated. To honor Danny's incredible legacy, a Celebration of his life, open to the public, will be announced at a later date.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.