John Barrow's Obituary
John Harold Barrow (1933–2024)
John Harold Barrow, 90, died peacefully in Marietta, Georgia on February 6, 2024. Born August 14, 1933, John lived a long and rewarding life as an engineer, counselor, musician, father, and friend. He was born at Walker County Hospital in Jasper, Alabama to Vivian and Alice Barrow, who raised him and his two older sisters, Alyce and Gwen. He attended Phillips High School in Birmingham, Alabama, where he commuted his first two years on country buses. It was on these long bus rides that John developed his observation skills and penchant for watching people. For his last two years at Phillips High School, John stayed with his Aunt Nora and Uncle Jim Pruitt and caught the trolley into Birmingham to attend classes.
After graduating from high school, John joined the US Air Force National Guard where he was on active duty until 1953. Once completing his enlistment, John attended Auburn University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1957, and, more importantly, met the love of his life and destined bride, Virginia Lynn May. While still at Auburn, John and Lynn married in Dora, Alabama on June 10, 1956.
After graduation, John and Lynn moved to Miami, Florida, where he had accepted a position with Florida Power and Light (FP&L) at the Cutler Power Plant. While in South Florida, he had a lifelong and rewarding career with FP&L. At the Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant, he was one of 12 original control room operators affectionately known as “The Dirty Dozen”. Through the years, he rose through the ranks to become Plant Operations Superintendent, then transitioned to ombudsman before retiring in 1994.
In their lives together, John and Lynn focused their lives on their children, Alan, Jeff, Beth, and Jill, who meant the world to them. John became a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren: Stuart, Lance, Ellen, Valerie, Carolyn, Brooke, Ryan, Bobby, Paisley, and Parker, as well as four great-grandchildren and nine nephews and nieces. He treasured his time with his family and loved being “Papa John”, never failing to make his family smile with his quiet warmth. Wherever he lived, John was an active member of his local congregation of the Church of Christ and was an elder at Midway Road Church of Christ for many years.
Over his 90-year lifespan, learning and playing music was a constant pursuit of John’s. He started playing tenor saxophone in high school and continued his musical interests by playing in a swing band while in the service. While raising his family, John kept music in his life by playing organ, leading singing at church, and being a band parent. John was always involved with music in one form or another. Even in his later years, John picked up the harmonica, the clarinet, and entertained the residents of his retirement village.
John will always be remembered for his unassuming nature, gentle mischievousness, and the way that he went out of his way to make those around him know that they were appreciated. John will be missed by his family and friends every day, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. John was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Lynn Barrow, and is survived by his sisters, Alyce and Gwen, and his children, Alan (Ann) , Jeff (Jennifer), Beth, and Jill (Cliff), and their families.
The visitation is Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 11:30-1:30 at Van Orsdel Funeral Services, 11220 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33176, 305-279-6644 followed by a Graveside Service at Miami Memorial Park Cemetery at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jensen Beach High School Jubilate Choir at http://tinyurl.com/JubilateBarrow.
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