Obituaries: August 15, 2025
Chris O’Barr
Chris O’Barr, age 43, of Sylacauga, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Chris was born in Valley to Helen O’Barr and Ricky O’Barr.
Chris is survived by his wife, Tori O’Barr; children, Jarred O’Barr, Jevin O’Barr, Lucy O’Barr, Levi Curtis, Nataleigh Price, Annika Price; father, Ricky O’Barr; brother, Richard O’Barr (Brooke); sister, Chanisty Murphy (JT); 11 nieces; and 6 nephews.
Chris was preceded in death by his beloved and cherished mother, Helen O’Barr. He adored his mother, speaking of her and remembering her often since her passing. He enjoyed being the baby of his family.
Chris graduated from Coosa Central in 2001. Chris loved his children deeply. He was a fantastic father and husband to his “Baby,” his wife, Tori. He was very involved in citizen coaching and umpiring youth sports. He coached the recreation department with youth football and umpired with the softball program. All the kids loved him; he made a tremendous impact on the youth in the area. The crowd would gravitate toward him at sport events.
Chris was a loyal employee of B & H Transfer starting as a driver and advancing to Operational Manager of logistics at the Sylacauga office.
He was a big kid at heart. He loved to joke and make people laugh. Chris had a smile that would light up any room.
Chris was a giving person, doing what he could to help others unselfishly. His character and heart left a lasting impression on those who knew him or just met him.
Chris was a member at Mountain View Baptist Church in Sylacauga. He sang in the choir – “carrying the men in the choir.” Although he couldn’t sing or dance, he loved to do both. Chris married Tori and was baptized soon after; he was so loved by his church family. He loved life – and would not stress or worry about things he could not change.
A visitation for Chris will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, 35150, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. with Bro. Roger Singleton and Bro. Robbie Curtis officiating.
Chris will be laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, 1501 Talladega Highway, Sylacauga.
Serving as pallbearers are John Murphy, Gavin O’Barr, John Duke, Barry Walker, Joey Shellnutt, Corey Castleberry, Matthew Austin, Mike Beasley. Honorary pallbearers are Jarred O’Barr, Jevin O’Barr, Richard Robinson, Daniel Baker, and Drivers at B&H Transfer. The escort driver will be Jonathon Murphy.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made as a donation to the O’Barr account at Southern States Bank, 101 W. Ft. Williams, Sylacauga, AL 35150.
The family would like to thank everyone who has donated money and food. Your caring concern will always be remembered as we cherish his memory.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home will direct the service.
Mary Patterson
Mary Patterson, age 93, of Weogufka, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Mary is survived by her husband, Herschel Patterson; daughters, Christa Kavanaugh, Brenda Gail Wood (Ray); sister, Irby Bryant; brothers, Roscoe Collins (Bessie) and Howard Collins (Joan); grandchildren, Monica, Jeffrey, Shaney; and great-grandchildren, Michael, Logan and Kathrine.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Irby and Lillian Collins; brother, John Ed Collins; and sisters, Bobby Jo Collins and Betty Payton.
A graveside service for Mary was held Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Sylacauga, with Pastor Tommy Thornton officiating.
Special thank you to Steve Payton for all his love and help and all of Mrs. Patterson’s caregivers.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home directed the service.
