Karr's dad lives in an affluent section of Atlanta and apparently is or was in the construction business. Considering that a son like this might be a little "embarrasing" it's likely that he may have had one of those jobs where you get paid NOT to show up.
Also, the fact that he kept marrying girls that are very young would indicate to me that he was "marrying down", getting girls from the wrong side of the tracks, so that with his family's money, there was enough of a power imbalance to get what he wanted without any kick back. Most middle class Southerners are real sensitive about the marrying young bit because it reminds us of our impoverished Appalachian roots. Hey, I can say that - I are one.
The Knutson family is certainly NOT from the wrong side of the tracks. Lara's father is very successful.