Lee "Sonny" Houston Barr, Jr.

Lee “Sonny” Houston Barr Jr., 90, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2026, leaving behind a family who adored him and a lifetime of friendships, stories, and happy memories. Born in Carrollton, Georgia, on March 31, 1936, Lee received the nickname “Sonny” from his father, lovingly known as “Daddy Lee.” The name stayed with him throughout a life deeply connected to his hometown, his faith, and his family.

Sonny grew up in Carrollton and graduated from Carrollton High School before attending Auburn University, where he played in the Auburn band. He later transferred to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College before returning home to attend West Georgia College. There, a beautiful women’s basketball player named Juanita “Nita” Jackson caught his eye, beginning a love story that would span more than seven decades. Nita would later say that what first made her fall in love with Sonny was his personality and the way he loved everyone he met.

Sonny and Nita married in 1953 and shared 73 years of marriage. Sonny completed his college education at the University of Georgia, earning a degree in Animal Science. Their early years together took them to Bainbridge and LaGrange for brief periods before they returned to Carrollton, where they built their home, raised their family, and became a lasting part of the community they loved. Together, they welcomed two beautiful children, Jack and Jan.

Back home, Sonny ran the family general store at Tyus and worked the cattle farm. He later operated the Carroll County Livestock Sales Barn and went on to serve as the manager at Goldkist, where he finished his working career. A businessman, cattleman, farmer, and leader who was deeply involved in 4-H, Sonny carried his love of agriculture and his belief in hard work throughout his life.

For all the roles he held, some of his happiest years were spent being “Paw Paw.” His kitchen table and back porch swing became places for life’s important conversations—and plenty of laughter. He was the person you went to when you needed wisdom, an honest opinion, or help making sense of things. Whether he thought you were right or wrong, he would tell you. And before the conversation was over, there was a good chance he would share a story, tell a joke, or find a way to tease you.

Sonny was outgoing and happiest with his friends and family around him. He never met a stranger and never took the time he had with people for granted. He made time to visit, listen, laugh, and be present for the people he loved. Music was a lifelong joy, from his own days to the years he spent following his son Jack’s bands, including Crosswalk, The Surf, and many others. He loved watching Jack play and took great pride in supporting his music. That was Sonny’s way with his family: he loved what they loved. Their interests became his interests, and their happiness brought him happiness.

He cheered faithfully for the Georgia Bulldogs and the Carrollton Trojans. He enjoyed fishing, grilling, woodworking, watching birds, and vacationing with his family. At home, he and Nita tended a beautifully manicured garden, and the fresh vegetables they grew often made their way onto the dinner table. His family knew Noni as the best cook in Carroll County, and Paw Paw never once complained about a meal she set before him. There was great happiness in those everyday moments: a good meal, a familiar story, and the people he loved gathered close.

At the center of Sonny’s life was his unwavering faith in God. He and Nita were devoted members of Carrollton First Methodist Church and the longest-standing members of the Agape Sunday School Class. His faith guided the way he worked, the way he loved, and the way he treated everyone he encountered. His family saw it in his steady presence, his generosity with his time, and his care for others.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Lee H. Barr Sr. and Dura Barr; his son, Jack Barr; his daughter-in-law, Meredith Barr; and his grandson-in-law, Jim Porter.

He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Juanita Jackson Barr; his brother, Fred (Marjorie) Barr; his daughter, Jan (Stephen) Blackburn; his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Barr; his grandchildren, Erin (Don) Riggins, Elizabeth (Mark) Sanders, Isabel Blackburn, and Em (Dallas) Van Blackburn; and his great-grandchildren, Gus, Elsie Jo, Hugh, Sadie, and Hutch. He is also lovingly remembered by Danny (Patty), Genasis, and Dayana Vega; also, Rory, Lhana, and Sloan Riggins; and many more family members and dear friends.

The story of Sonny’s life will continue around family tables, on back porches, in the music his family loves, and in the stories they will tell their children. Those who loved him will remember his wisdom, his teasing, his steadfast faith, and the way he made time for them. Most of all, they will remember how deeply he loved them—and how happy he was to have them near.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Almon Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at Carrollton First Methodist Church from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the church’s Fellowship Hall from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Following the reception, the family will gather for burial at Tyus Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Carrollton First Methodist Church or, in honor of Sonny’s lifelong love and support of the Carrollton Trojans, to the Trojan Student Athlete Development Fund. Donations to the fund may be made at https://www.givebutter.com/ccsedfdn-scholarships-funds

Messages of condolence may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.