William Lewis Barrs Jr of Palm Harbor passed away at home after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Jim and his parents, William Lewis Barrs Sr. and Joyce Frenay Barrs.

Known to most as “Bill,” but always to his family as “Bill Jr,” he was an avid fisherman, bowler, and poker player. His talent for selling real estate began with his knack for winning every “Monopoly” game he ever played. Born January 13, 1944, in Syracuse, New York, he graduated with honors from both Onondaga Valley Academy (high school) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He majored in business and after graduating in 1966 was drafted into the Army as a Private E-1, where he completed a total of 16 weeks of basic and infantry training. He went on to complete 26 weeks of Officer Candidate School and became a 2nd Lieutenant, rising to the rank of Captain in 2 years. He served a year at Camp Rice, Korea, which he always claimed really was just like his favorite TV show M*A*S*H.

When he returned home, he married Kathy Josey of Greensboro, N.C. and moved to Dunedin, Florida. He and Kathy had 3 children: William Lewis III (“Trip”), Deborah, and Stephen. After Kathy’s passing in 1980, he married Jill Greer and became step-father to her two sons, Drew and Steve.

When Jill passed away in 1999, he retired from business and began enjoying a life of boating, cruising, card-playing, and chasing sunsets. In 2006 he met Ann Carter of Tarpon Springs, FL and they were currently engaged to be married. Bill and Ann loved to have a good time, and spent many a happy hour at the clubs he belonged to: the VFW Post #10167, the American Legion Post #173, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club #4408.

He is survived by his three children, seven grand-children, 2 step-children, 3 step-grand-children, his sister Joanne Timshel of Oregon, and his closest cousins, Suzy and Roger Guffey of North Carolina.

Bill will be honored and remembered at a Celebration of Life to be held onSaturday, December 2nd at 4pm, at the VFW Post at 4619 Bartelt Rd,Holiday, FL 34690.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the Shriners Children’s Organization: https://lovetotherescue.org/.