Michael E. Carr

Michael Edward Carr, age 89, passed away on November 13, 2016 at his home in Rockledge, FL surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 8, 1927 to Daniel Webster and Ruth Agnes Carr. He was the 5th of 6 children and graduated from Creston High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Audrey and Evelyn, brother Daniel, and granddaughter Hannah Ruth Street. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Lola Lee Carr, his daughters Michelle Shutt (Gary), Terri Carr, Julie Carr, Debbie Shutterly (Martin), Karen Street (Steve), and grandchildren Brian Shutt (Alexa), Greg Shutt (Julie), Adam Shutt, Jennifer Kryszczynski (Brian), Rebecca Haufler, Melanie Haufler, Susannah Haufler, Rachel Barfield (Kevin), Johnny DellaBella (Lauren), Pamela DellaBella, Nicholas DellaBella, Grace DellaBella, James Tyler Street, and 12 great grandchildren.

Michael was a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. In March 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard ship as a Seaman 1/C in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged in July 1946. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and continued his military career in the United States Air Force until his retirement as Senior Master Sergeant on May 31, 1975 when he was honorably discharged. During his career in the military, he received numerous awards and commendations. After his military retirement, he worked as the Food Services Officer for the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air Force Base from September 1976 to January 1998. Under his management, the Dining Facility received multiple awards including the prestigious Hennessy Trophy Award for an unprecedented two consecutive years in 1994 and 1995. He retired on January 3, 1998.

Although he is well-known for his distinguished military and civil service careers, he dedicated his life to his family. While stationed at Shaw Air Force Base Sumter, South Carolina, he met the love of his life, Lola. They were married on June 13, 1951 in Manning, South Carolina. As a career military man, Michael and his wife Lola were stationed both stateside and abroad. They raised their five daughters in a home where love of family, generosity, kindness, and humility were paramount. He was truly an inspiration to everyone whose life he touched. His kindness, gentleness, patience, wonderful sense of humor, and true exuberance for living gave him a full and prosperous life. He will be greatly missed by all who love him and will remain in our hearts forever. We will draw strength from our precious memories knowing that one day we will be reunited in Heaven.

Services will be held at Florida Memorial Gardens Life Event Center on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 1 pm. 5950 US-1 Rockledge, FL 32955. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.