Bishop-Designate Barron F. Carr,  of the Rural Hall, NC community and a devoted shepherd to his flock, passed away peacefully at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center on March 27, 2024, at the age of 59. He was born in Iredell County on December 9, 1964, to Deacon James S. Carr Jr. and Evangelist Linda F. Carr. Barron's life was a testament to faith, service, and unwavering dedication to God. He was preceded in death by his father, James S. Carr Jr.; paternal grandparents, James Samuel Carr Sr. and Catherine Chambers Carr; maternal grandparents, Marshall S. Rankin and Senior Mother Katherine Rankin; and father-in-law, Jimmy Lee Revels.

Spiritual Journey

Barron's spiritual journey began early. Saved at the age of 14, he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and displayed a remarkable gift for healing and prophecy. As a child prodigy, he could interpret the spirit's direction with clarity, offering comfort and guidance to many. This unwavering faith translated into action throughout his life.

Barron's dedication to spreading the word extended beyond his hometown. While attending the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), he actively participated in the Christian Fellowship, leading Bible studies that fostered a vibrant spiritual community on campus. His leadership and passion resulted in numerous conversions, solidifying his calling to serve the Lord.

In 1990, under the guidance of his mother, Barron was ordained as an Elder in the Lord's church. Heeding God's call, he took on the mantle of Pastor at Bibleway Church #11  in Winston-Salem, a testament to his unwavering commitment to ministry.

Barron's devotion to God extended beyond the walls of the church. He was a beloved family man, married to his cherished wife, Tammy Revels Carr, since November 5, 1995. Together, they raised two beautiful children, Bryanna Elizabeth Carr and Brennan Channing Carr (Ella).

Passion and Joys

Barron's love for music was evident in his roles as lead singer of his family quartet, The Carr Brothers, and former assistant manager of the New Gospel Skylights. While music was a passion, his love for God remained paramount, leading him to establish his own ministry, Mt. Horeb, Progressive Church of the Living God.

Barron's life wasn't solely defined by his faith. He enjoyed a successful career, working for Integon Insurance for a decade before co-founding Carrisma Home Care and Highmark Drug Testing. He also embraced his role as the Carr family historian. He was a walking historical document of the Carr-Oakley family lineage. He was president of the  Carr-Oakley Family Reunion for twenty-five years. He was faithful in organizing the reunion to ensure the family history survived the generations.

Barron's cooking and love of life were known to all. He had a fondness for dipped chicken, pies, and classic comfort food, often indulging in mac and cheese, cornbread, and his signature dish, vinegar hot sauced turkey wings, banana pudding, and many other dishes. His love for a good Amazon purchase, much to his wife's amusement, cemented his image as a loving husband with a charming sense of humor.

Barron leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His powerful sermons, with titles like There Is a River, After This, There Will Be Glory, The Conflict of Wills, and Due Season will continue to inspire and guide those who cherished him.

His legacy also lives on through his mother, Evangelist Linda F. Carr; his surviving siblings, Darron Carr (Tiffanie), Jamie Carr (Rubetta), Wanda Carr, Brandon Carr, Sr. (Rosa), Stefan Carr, and Christine Taylor.

He also leaves to cherish his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Revels; brother-in-law, Jimmy D. Revels (Grayson D.); Goddaughters, Katrina Michele Rankins (Taylor, Bria, Kathlin, Ty'Yana), Eysis Yount (Jordis), Bishop Marchelle Kennedy (Matthew, Maerika, Shovan, Lamont, Erik, Joshua, Malachi, Jayyden); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Church of the Living God, 7552 Happy Hill Road, Kernersville, NC 27284. Interment will be held in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Wednesday at the Church.