Barry Richardson Farr

Barry Richardson Farr of Mesa, Arizona, was 81 and died peacefully at his home on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Barry—known as “Pup” to his childhood friends—was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was an avid golfer and loved fishing and hunting. He was a graduate of Myers Park High School and Pfeiffer University and also served in the U.S. Army.

Those who will miss him most are his wife of 57 years, Lynn Crowell Farr; his two sons, Richardson Farr and Andrew Farr; and his beloved grandson, Jack Farr. He is also survived by his brother, Dave Farr, and sister-in-law, Phyllis; his sister, Peggy Mahaffey, and her husband, Chuck Mahaffey, all of North Carolina; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Barry worked for Aetna Casualty and Surety for fourteen years. In 1981, he moved to Arizona to start his own agency, CBI Bonding, Inc., in Mesa. With the help of his wife, he grew the business into the leading surety-only agency in the Southwest. Among many other honors, Barry received the prestigious Tiger Trust Award from the National Association of Surety Bond Producers for ensuring growth in bonded projects and expanding their use within the private sector.

Barry was a loving husband and father to Lynn, Rich, and Andy, and a devoted grandfather to Jack. He was known in the surety business for his integrity, character, and superior knowledge of the industry. His friends knew him as a great storyteller with an infectious laugh and sense of humor—and as a great golfer.

Services will be held on January 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church (6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253) for family and close friends.

A celebration of his life will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Mesa Country Club (660 W. Fairway Dr., Mesa, AZ 85201).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers ( https://t2t.org ) or Wounded Warriors ( https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org ) in Barry’s name.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.