William Barr

William F. Barr, 88, passed away on January 10, 2025 in Leesburg,Georgia. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Mathews Funeral Home. Father Ray Leverault.

William was born to Earl and Tess Barr in Wayne County, Michigan in 1937. Bill had a great 34 year career as an engine engineer with Ford Motor Company. He was the Principal Engineer behind two of the best performance engines of the muscle car years: 428 Cobra Jet and Boss 302. He retired over 30 years ago. He lead a very full life with family and friends enjoying golf, his passion for fast cars and traveling.

In 1959 Bill married his sweetheart, Marilyn Morrison and they were lucky to have celebrated many years together, working their farm in Howell, Michigan and raising their three daughters and a son, Denise O'Connell of Hartland, Michigan, Judy Barr-Dodds (Tim) of Fortson, Georgia, Tracy Barr of Marianna, Florida and Scott Barr of Leesburg, Georgia.

Later in life, with partner Yvonne Forster and after retirement, he relocated to south, then central Florida and enjoyed a couple of decades playing golf and being a grandfather to Christopher O'Connell (Michelle), Kevin O'Connell (Breanna) and recent great-granddaughter Saige O'Connell, Adah Dodds, Kayla Dodds, Nathan and Natalie Forster (children of Eric and Teri Forster), Jacob and Elizabeth Kay (children of Lisa Forster and Mike Kay)

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Karen Wilson and Barbara Barr and Marilyn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer's Society in his honor.