William Maurice Barr

William Maurice Barr, 92, of Bidwell, Ohio, went to meet his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 22, 2026, passing at his residence. Bill was born on January 21, 1934 in Logan, West Virginia, son of the late Coy and Maggie Surber Barr.

He attended Eno and Bidwell schools where he played football and basketball. Bill was a faithful member of Gallipolis First Church of the Nazarene. Bill loved the Lord and lived faithfully until his death. He was a friend to many. It was often said that he knew everyone in Gallia County. In 1955, Bill and his wife Jean opened Barr's Grocery on Third and Vine Street and operated it until retiring in 1982. He also operated a "Rolling Grocery Store," using an old school bus from 1956-1959; in 1965, Bill was the first man in Gallipolis to build a supermarket as an independent owner. Barr's Supermarket was known for its fresh-cut meats. Bill's wife and he were frequent visitors to the area nursing homes, ministering to the shut-ins. Bill served in the U.S. Navy during Korea, serving aboard USSD 530 in Norfolk, Virginia. Bill also served as a police officer for the Gallipolis Police Department from 1955-1969, earning the rank of Sergeant.

Bill was married to his high school sweetheart, Helen Jean Robie Barr for 72 years; and she survives him along with a daughter, Debbie (David) Beam of Xenia, Ohio; one son, Billy (Jacki) Barr of Winona Lake, Indiana; four granddaughters, Sarah (Travis) Kinnison of Xenia, Ohio, Rachel (Joseph) Dean of Cedarville, Ohio, Bethany (Ross) Hessel of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Brittany (Jeff) Moerchen of Warsaw, Indiana; great-grandchildren, Maisy , Eliza, Laney, and Norah Kinnison, Abram, Avalynn, Canaan, and Calvary Dean, Sadie, Ainsley, and Levi Hessel, and Coy and Wynn Moerchen, with another great-grandson due to be born any day. Additional survivors include brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ronald Allison of Bidwell, Carrol Robie of Bidwell, Keith and Cheryl Robie of Gallipolis, Marguerite Robie of Bidwell, and Betty Robie Briggs of San Diego, California and many special nieces and nephews who showered him with sweets to eat and entertaining visits.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by brothers, Paul and Kenneth Barr and by sisters, Mary Barr Ward and Ruth Barr Allison; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, JoAnn Barr, Homer Ward, Barbara Barr, Violet and Bill Day, Raymond Robie, Marvin Robie, Bob Queen, and David Briggs.

During the past few years, Bill and Jean have been blessed to have been cared for by several special caregivers and hospice.

The funeral service for Bill Barr will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at First Church of the Nazarene in Gallipolis with Pastors Michael Hancock, David Brown, and Gene Harmon officiating. His burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park. Friends may call prior to the service on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the church. Military rites will be given at the graveside by the Gallia County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the food pantry at First Church of the Nazarene in Gallipolis.