Walter J. Carr

After 79 years, Walter John Carr’s creative use of duct tape came to a halt on February 14, 2025. Sincerest condolences to those in the duct tape industry as they navigate the impending severe decline of usage; however, it must be remembered that Walter innovated beyond household and mechanical repairs, expanding into clothing repairs too.

Walter altered the food preparation industry in multiple ways as well, most notably with a fresh take on meatloaf, adding a special ingredient to diners’ delight….shhh, it was cool ranch Dorito crumbles.

A strong believer in the U, S, of A and making America even greater, Walter served his country first via his time in the Air Force….and later in the Postal Service. In true Walter fashion, if asked about his military time he’d likely brag about his role as a cook. Apparently, the slop he served was much more appetizing than that which his counterparts dished out.

One of Edward John Carr and Margaret Mary (Tinney) Carr’s seven children (Edward, William, Joseph, Jimmy, Alice and Margaret), Walter enjoyed the less governed upbringing of the 1940’s through 1960’s that afforded him the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them in the greater Philadelphia area. The Carr Clan of Radbourne Road has memories they articulate in colorful fashion through fascinating and passionate stories.

As a child Walter’s early years were strongly sculpted by his family, the catholic church, sports and his desire to earn, which he pursued through door-to-door sales. He was one heck of a magazine salesman, and with the help of his then spouse, Mary Ann (Vetter) Carr, he passed down his comfort with door-to-door solicitation and tackling the occasional odd job to his three children (Colleen, Chris and Ben) who cut lawns, shoveled snow, caddied and/or delivered papers in their youth.

Walter also taught those around him to solicit help when needed. At 25 years old he acknowledged his alcohol-related challenges, and he chose to put the bottle down for a life of sobriety. He chose a life of purpose. A life of feeling.

But Walter was wired to help others, often toeing the line of self-neglect in doing so. This care for others motivated him to aid many in their pursuit of embracing serenity, courage and wisdom along their journey. 54 years of sobriety through the toughest of times and thousands positively impacted by Walter’s love, compassion, generosity and wisdom: now that’s a legacy to be proud of.

If only Walter could have left a more accomplished golf legacy…40+ years on the course and minimal improvement! His time on the course was the anthesis of “a good walk spoiled” as the time in nature and the camaraderie with friends is what he valued, not the symbols written on the scorecard.

Walter enjoyed his time at and valued the family he had at the Ocean Drive Presbyterian church in North Myrtle Beach. He especially anticipated choir practices and performances. Surely when the Carr Clan of Radbourne Road, his children, grandchildren (Sarah, Wesley, Melanie, Alexa, Morgan, Devon, Cody and Colin), and great grandchildren (Kaitlyn, Luke, Audrey, Cole and Charlotte) learned that Walter was heavily involved in the church choir during his later years, their initial reaction included empathy and/or prayers for those in any related audience. Long thought to be tone deaf, Walter overcame a challenged start to his singing life through hard work, learning to express his joy and his love for Jesus through beautiful sound. Maybe the Grammy Committee inappropriately excluded him from any award consideration.

In recent years and as Walter entered the latter moments in life, he communicated the pleasure he felt visiting with family, which was made easier by their close proximity. Grandchildren Cody and Colin played numerous games with grandfather, watched sporting events, visited restaurants (including finding a viable cheesesteak in Charlotte), walked along the beach and engaged in heartfelt discussions. Walter’s son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Katie, respectively, cherished their many engaging chats and the general joy that dad added to the environment. Cooking with grandfather will never be forgotten and neither will the black and fully tinted-windowed sedan he bought in his 70s along with the speeding ticket he acquired on his way to visit.

Walter’s call to the afterlife has certainly left many searching for their spiritual duct tape. If you were able to consult him about this challenge we are all embracing, he would make sure you knew to take one day at a time and that you are not alone.

Should you feel motivated to honor Walter’s remembrance via a donation to a meaningful organization, please consider the Charlotte Grace Fund, part of the HEADstrong foundation that supports families affected by cancer. Follow this link for online donations https://pledge.headstrong.org/give/205408/#!/donation/checkout or if you would like to write a personal check, please write your donation out to HEADstrong Foundation and put Charlotte Grace Fund in the Memo. Checks can be mailed to ATTN: Charlotte Grace Fund 1330 MacDade Blvd #2, Woodlyn, PA 19094.

Please join us at Lee funeral home (11840 SC-90, Little River, SC 29566) for a viewing between the hours of 4:00:M and 6:00PM on Thursday February 20, 2025. Church services will occur at 11:00AM Friday February 21, 2025 at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church (410 6th Ave South, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29582) with a viewing an hour prior to the service from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at the church. Burial will occur after the church service at North Myrtle Beach Memorial Gardens (65 SC-90, Little River, SC 29566).