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Walter A. Barr

Nov 5, 2021

Walter Anthony Barr Jr., 85, of Winchester, died Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

Coach Barr was born April 1, 1936 in Berryville, the son of the late Walter A. Barr Sr. and June Baker Barr. He married Connie Rectenwald on Dec. 30, 1961 in South Charleston, W. Va.

Surviving with his wife are his three children and nine grandchildren: son Jeff (Laura) and their children Amber, Jessica and Michael, of Summit Point, W. Va.; daughter Debbie Hillyard (P.W.) and their children Ashley and Megan, of Winchester; and son Kevin (Christine) and their children Kavon, Colton, Cason, and Damon, of Winchester.

Coach is also survived by his brother, Denny Barr and his wife, Carolyn, of Berryville, and was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Barr.

He obtained his undergraduate degree from Shepherd College (now University), and his Master’s Degree from James Madison University. He served in the U. S. Army National Guard and was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

He started his coaching and teaching career at James Wood High School in Frederick County in 1962. In 1971, he became the head football coach at his alma mater, Shepherd College and remained there 15 years.

In 1986, he began his work as a guidance counselor in Loudoun County Public Schools for 8 years and then returned to Frederick County in 1995 as a guidance counselor and football coach at Sherando High School.

In 1999, Coach resurrected the long-dormant football program at Shenandoah University and was head football coach until 2001. He returned to James Wood in 2005 as head football coach, retiring in 2007 after three seasons.

Coach Barr had many honors and accolades bestowed upon him in his lifetime, but according to him, his greatest honor was to have had the opportunity to work with young people and hopefully make a positive influence on their lives.

Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: JWHS Touchdown Club; the James Wood Athletic Association or athletic association of your choice; Shepherd University Foundation; Shenandoah University Football Program.

To view Coach’s obituary and send condolences online, please visit www.endersandshirley.com.