Jesse Barr

He is survived by his loving wife and constant caregiver, Dianne Barr; his daughter, Anne Barr Teasley of Knoxville, TN; granddaughters Abby Teasley of Atlanta, GA and Amanda Teasley of Nashville, TN; grandson Jonathan Szot of Cleveland, Mississippi; stepdaughter and husband Kim and Matt Matthews and grandson Harrison Matthews of Mt Juliet, TN; sister Edna Depriest and husband Joe Depriest of Clarksville, TX; brother Bobby Barr and wife Judy Barr of Greenville, MS; brother Terry Barr and wife Donna Barr of Oak Ridge, TN. He is also survived by nephews David and Brian Depriest of Texas, Robert Barr of Colorado, nephew Michael Lewellen of Tennessee; nieces Leslie Simpson of Tennessee, Jessica Barr Seale and Teresa Barr Welch of Mississippi, Angie Barr Gresham of Alabama.

He is preceded in death by grandparents Thomas Evans Barr and Cornelia Sessions Barr; parents Jesse Coleman Barr and Arlen Shaffer Barr; sisters Annie Blanch Barr and Sandra Barr Lewellen Keller; and daughter Sarah Barr Szot.

Jesse was born December 19, 1936 in Cleveland, Mississippi. He graduated from Delta State University. After college, he was a drill instructor at Fort Jackson, SC. He served as the S1 intelligence sergeant and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He coached Ft. Jackson to the third Army championship in football and track. After the Army, he received his MBA in banking from Rutgers University. He did additional graduate work at Indiana University and Columbia University. He taught banking courses at Rutgers University and Indiana University. He was listed in several Who's Who. He was the youngest chief executive of a billion dollar bank at age 34. He was on the Board of Directors and served as a consultant for several regional and national companies. In addition, Jesse was a Senior Financial Consultant to the 1982 World’s Fair. He was a major fundraiser for The Children’s Hospital, March of Dimes, Boy and Girl Scouts, The Bijou Theater and Easter Seals. Jesse was an honorary member and faithful supporter of New Testament Baptist Church in Maynardville, TN.

Jesse spent some of his “retirement” years working at Dean Stallings Ford.

Jesse had the biggest heart and always ready to lend a hand to anyone he met. He was a peacekeeper and master negotiator. He never met a stranger and was a wonderful storyteller. Many friends considered Jesse their “adopted” father or brother. He kept in touch with family and friends regularly until his health no longer allowed.

The family expresses their gratitude to Amedysis Hospice and Amada Senior Care, and especially Kelly Rainey, for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held March 7 from 2-4pm at Berry Highland Memorial located at 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. To comply with Covid regulations, the funeral home is asking visitors to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to The March of Dimes

http://www.Marchforbabies.org/team/JesseBarr