Alfred Barr

He was born June 30, 1950 in Nassau, Bahamas, at Princess Margaret Hospital. Alfred was the fifth born of seven children to the late Mr. Walter and Olive Barr.

From a young age, Alfred exhibited a passion for serving as an acolyte on the altar in church, showcasing his dedication and commitment to his faith. He pursued his education at Miami-Dade Public Schools and graduated from Edison Senior High School in 1969. During his time at Edison, he played football at the position of Full Back. His exceptional skills on the field earned him the school record in rushing and several awards for his achievement. Notably, in 1969, he achieved a remarkable feat by rushing the most yards in a single season. This secured his place in Florida’s high school football history alongside his best friend Miami Dolphin’s Legend Nat Moore. In addition to his football success, Alfred also excelled in track and field at Edison High School. His dedication to sports extended beyond the field as he pursued higher education at Virginia State College, where he also continued his football career as a Running Back. In the mid 1970s, he tried out for the Miami Dolphins; however, due to a career ending injury, Alfred had to rethink his professional future. After his football career, Alfred embarked a professional journey to provide for his growing family. He worked at Jackson Memorial Hospital, he was amongst the first African Americans to work at the Richard Gerstein Courthouse as a Courtroom Clerk, and later served as a mental health counselor at Lock-Town Community Mental Health Center.

Academically, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Florida International University in 1981. He also obtained a Diploma from the U.S. Army as a Medical Laboratory Specialist in 1981. In 1987, he earned a Master of Social Work from Barry University. Alfred had a distinguished military career, where his outstanding execution had him designated as a marksman, and upon fruition of his military career, he reached the rank of Major.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Alfred dedicated his life to teaching. He was a lifelong learner and a devoted educator, imparting his wisdom to students in social studies with an emphasis in African American History. His teaching career spanned several institutions including McArthur High School in Hollywood, FL, American Adult Education Center in Miami Lakes, FL, North Miami Adult Education Center in North Miami, FL, and Carol City Senior High Night School in Miami Gardens, FL.

Alfred’s legacy will continue to inspire generations, leaving behind a profound impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering commitment to education, his exceptional athletic achievements, his contributions to the healthcare field, and his service to his country will forever be remembered.

On November 21, 1971, Alfred married Edith Marie Kerr. Mr. and Mrs. Barr was married for 45 years. Alfred has now joined his sister in Christ Edith to dwell with the Lord Our God. Mr. and Mrs. Barr are survived by their five loving children: Natisha C. Barr-Duty, Margaret M. Barr-Marsh, Juanita L. Barr-Clark (Aaron), Alfred Barr II (Milca), Eric W. Barr. Alfred is also survived by Warren A. Soares, Kato Rolle (Rakisha), and Nikita Rolle. Grandchildren: Warren Duty Jr., Raymond Duty, Andrew Marsh, Richard Marsh, Catalyna Clark, Kayden Rolle, Darryl Bell III, Keny Belamour, Shalaijah B. Soares, Sanaz I Soares, Nasiir W Soares, Keidah L. Soares, Warren A Soares Jr., Kingston Soares, and we will always remember the late Skye Soares, and also two great-grandchildren: Harmonei Broadway and Alaila Soares.

Alfred’s surviving siblings are Mrs. Anamae Flowers and Mr. Donald Barr (Gwendolyn). He also has a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Mr. Barr wrote on his notepad Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

“Finish strong, finish the good fight.”

- Dee West

Life isn’t a race; some finish quickly, while others take their time. Some walk fast, while others jog. But the crucial thing is to never give up. Even when you feel tempted to quit, remember the benefits you’ll gain in the end, and the impact you can have on others through your struggles. So, keep going and finish the race strong!

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Anyway, here’s a thought from Dr. Kent M. Keith’s book, “The Paradoxical Commandments”:

“People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.”

A Prayer of Gratitude

Thank you Father for the doctors, nurses, family, and friends who cared for me and prayed with me throughout my illness. Thank you Father for being with me every step of the way, and Dear Father, I know you have a plan in everything you do. Give me the wisdom to accept those things I cannot change and the guidance to follow Your will.

This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Public Visitation will be held at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024, US, on March 12, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Litany Memorial Service will be held at Historic Saint Agnes Episcopal Church, 1750 NW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33136, US, on March 13, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Public Visitation will be held at Historic Saint Agnes Episcopal Church, 1750 NW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33136, US, on March 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on March 14, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Military Honors & Mausoleum Entombment will take place at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens North., 3001 N 72nd Ave, Hollywood, FL 33024, US, on March 14, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.