Kenneth Fred O'Barr

Kenneth Frederick (Fred) O’Barr, born Feb. 5, 1942, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, after an extended fight with cancer. He was predeceased by his wife Betty Jean (Ellis) O’Barr. Fred grew up in Birmingham, AL and attended multiple universities, graduating from VCU before pursuing his master’s at the University of Georgia. He served in the Navy for three years and visited over 100 countries while doing so. He and Betty Jean called Athens home for 35 years and returned to Alabama to be near their family upon their retirement. Fred had a green thumb, always spending time in his gardens – big and small – caring for his fruit trees and sharing the bounty with friends and family. It was representative of his generosity, being known for his propensity to give lavishly to others in his community.

He is survived by his two handsome and talented sons Kenneth and Kevin, son in-law Greg, many wonderful nieces and nephews, and his extremely benevolent in-laws who were his caretakers in his later years. Fred is also survived by three siblings: Dr. Richard Dale O’Barr PhD., Louise Evelyn Clifton and Judy Ann Meador. In addition to Betty Jean, he is reuniting with his late sister Janet Elizabeth Clelland in heaven. A short service will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, July 1 at noon, preceded immediately by visitation from 11:00 – 12:00. The service will be streamed on his obituary page to assist friends who live far away or who have difficulty traveling. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to No Longer Orphans www.nolongerorphans.org and plant something in your home or yard in his memory.