Robert Arnold Carr

Robert Arnold Carr, age 86, (known by friends and family as Bob) was born on December 18th, 1937, in Fresno, California. He was the Senior Class President and State Champion Wrestler at Roosevelt High School, where he met the love of his life and eventual wife, Jacqueline (Jackie) Caldwell. Robert served in the Army as an electrical engineer for the Guided Missile Installation. He then dedicated 43 years to the telecommunications industry, and served as the President of the local Union (9490).

Bob was a loving husband to his wife Jackie of 66 years. A devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. Full of compassion and wit – he loved telling stories, sharing his love of the great outdoors (specially fishing) and of his meticulously cared for Sago Palms. Bob taught anyone who would listen, the importance of treating people with kindness and respect – whether the CEO or the janitor, rich or poor; and standing up for what is right – not just by his words, but by his actions (an example would be of him bringing a homeless man home with him after work, to share dinner with the family and friendly conversation).

Bob was a no B.S. kind of guy, you could always count on him to give it to you straight – a natural leader and full of wisdom. Bob also had an incredibly farcical playful nature. From bucking piggy-back rides for his grand children when they were young, to crafty pranks of all sorts. Bob had a tradition of unconventional gift giving for Jackie at Christmas time, an event the family looked forward to – a sort of scavenger hunt, with a series of notes/clues to the next note until the final note which often included daring instructions to retrieve the actual gift (such as, crack the egg over your head for your reward. Because Jackie was daring enough to follow instructions, instead of yolk spilling over her head – rice fell everywhere as well as a good sum of money to pick the gift she wanted. Bob had taken the time to drain the egg through a pinhole and fill it with tightly rolled bills and rice grains – one-by-one.) Did we mention he was meticulous? His shenanigans often resulted in a laughter-filled room. He believed in always putting your best foot forward – he wouldn’t even go to a doctor’s appointment without looking his absolute sharpest. He treated his house was no differently, decorating the outside to the nines every Christmas, often winning best house in the neighborhood.

Bob remained a passionate and loyal fan of the San Francisco 49ers (football) and Giants (baseball), and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Fresno State Bulldogs college football program.

Bob was a fighter – battling and overcoming 4 different types of cancer over the past 11 years, eventually losing the battle against the 5th cancer diagnosis – Myeloid Leukemia. On Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at approximately 7:00 p.m., Bob peacefully passed away, surrounded by his wife, Jackie; grandson, Eric and granddaughter, Lisa – with his favorite 50’s music playing in the background.

Bob Carr is preceded in death by his son, Dennis Craig Carr; Mother, Molly; Foster Parents Josephine and Curly; brother, Ed; and grandson Blake Carr. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Carr; his sons Steve and Craig Carr; his grandchildren: Sabrina James, Lisa Fowler, Eric Carr, Samantha Marlette, Jon Carr, Breanna Williams, and Connor Carr; and 11 great grandchildren.

He was a friend to many. This world is surely a lessor place without him. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. Please join the family in remembering this remarkable man, and celebrating the life he lived and the lives he touched.

A viewing will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home at 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720 on Sunday, June 30, 2024 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Whitehurst at 10:00 a.m., followed by a committal service at Fresno Memorial Gardens. Reception will take place at Whitehurst thereafter.

“Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."

~1 Corinthians 13:13