David V. Barr

On Tuesday morning, August 2, 2022, Mr. David Vondelle Barr finished his earthly walk and stepped into the sunset of life.

David was born on January 15, 1947 to Mrs. Allie Mae Barr and the late Mr. David Lee Barr in Latta, S.C.  He was baptized as an infant and, when he became of age, joined and became a faithful and active member of Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church (UMC) in Latta, SC.  After moving to Florence, SC, he transferred his membership to Cumberland UMC in 1978.

He completed his early education in the public schools of Latta, SC and graduated from Latimer High School in 1965.  David holds a bachelor’s degree from SC State University and a master’s degree in Community and Occupational Programs in Education from USC-Columbia. He is a graduate of Leadership Florence, Leadership South Carolina, and the National Executive Leadership Institute as sponsored by the National League for Innovation in the Community College.

David served honorably in the U.S. Army and is a Vietnam veteran.

In 1970 he was united in marriage to Geraldine Barr, his college sweetheart.  They celebrated 52 years of marriage on March 7, 2022. They have one daughter, the light of their lives, Kristen.

David retired during 2000 after 31 years of state service as Vice-President for Student Affairs at Florence-Darlington Technical College where he received an Outstanding Educator Award and two Administrator of the Year Awards during his career. He was also selected as a student affairs representative by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools out of Atlanta and participated in thirteen inquiry visits to Southern Region Technical and Community Colleges for re-accreditation purposes.  David also served as Chairperson of the State Tech System Chief Student Services Officers during his tenure with Florence-Darlington Tech. During 2001 through retirement again in 2009, David assumed the presidency of United Way of Florence County (UWFC).  UWFC has a 34-member board of directors and supports 20+ agency partners that provide services to youth, the elderly, families, and the less fortunate throughout Florence County.   David also served as Board Chairman of the SC Association of Nonprofit Organizations based in Columbia, SC during his tenure with UWFC.

As a long-time civic volunteer, David has served on the boards of the SC Children’s Trust Board, the Pee Dee Workforce Investment Board, First Citizens Bank Advisory Board, the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Governor’s Education Oversight Subcommittee on Governance.  David has also served as a strategic planning facilitator for diverse organizations such as the Pee Dee Work Force Investment Board, Keep Florence Beautiful organization, and the Chamber of Commerce’s Building Bridges Program.

He has also served on the Mayor’s Coalition on Juvenile Violence Prevention, as a former member of Florence Monday Rotary, and as Past Peer Group Chairman of all statewide chief executives of United Ways in South Carolina.  He most recently served as a board member of the Policy Commission on Recreation with Florence County Parks and Recreation. He retired from that position in 2021 as his health began to fail.

David loved reading, fishing, sports, music and entertaining.  Family and friends knew that they were in for a good time when David Barr was hosting!

His younger brother, Jesse, preceded him in death.  

Those left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life include his wife, Geraldine, of the home, daughter, Kristen of Hanover, Maryland, mother, Mrs. Allie Barr Wilson of Latta, SC, two brothers, Norris Barr-Mack of Latta, SC and Donald Barr (Julia) of Irvington, N.J.; one Aunt, Mrs. Josephine Dismore of Brooklyn, New York; four sisters-in-law, Mrs. Thelma Easley, Mrs. Darletha Lee, both of Bennettsville, SC; Mrs. Fannie Gardner of Laurinburg, NC and Mrs. Ola Scott (Jim) of Fort Washington, MD; as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  His presence in the family and the community will be greatly missed.

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In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the Cumberland United Methodist Church (CUMC) Miracle Campaign.  Please note or memo: In Memory of David V. Barr.  Donations can be made online https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z38D/campaign/C-11ZP4 or via check.  To learn about CUMC, visit:  http://www.cumberlandumcflorence.org/  

Services will be available via livestream on the Smith Funeral Home of Florence facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/smithfuneralhomeofflorence

Please keep the family of Mr. David V. Barr in your thoughts and prayers.