Robert was born on May 5, 1937 in Washington, Illinois, one of four children of the late Norman and Ruth Greenwalt Barrow. He graduated with a Master's in education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. He joined the U.S. Army in 1960 and was honorably discharged on December 4, 1966. He was an educator in Southern Illinois and Memphis, Tennessee for over 48 years.
He was a dedicated Baptist Choir director for many years at Lakeland Baptist Church and led the music in his Sunday School Class at Bellevue Baptist Church.
Robert was an avid gardener, and loved to work outside. He did all of the yard and garden work at Lakeland Baptist Church and taught great work value to his children.
Mr. Barrow had a kind and generous heart. He would not only give a person the last dollar he had but would on occasion take food and clothing to the homeless in downtown Memphis.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Oleta Barrow, son Todd Barrow, daughter Leesa Barrow, and daughter Traci (Jonathan) Edwards; grandchildren: Taelor and Tre’ Barrow, Amanda (Timothy) McCollum & Sarah (Robbie) Hereth; his brothers Christie (Shirley) Barrow and Carl (Nanda) Barrow; and his sister Norma Barrow.
Family and friends will gather from 1:30 p.m. until memorial services begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30 at Memphis Funeral Home located at 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119.
The family requests in lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Barrow's name be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Barrow family.
