Willard G. Carlton

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Ingram Carlton, and is survived by their two children, Angelyn (Susie) Carlton-Gordon and Jamie Carlton. Mr. Carlton was also preceded in death by his twin brother, Dillard (Cindy) Carlton, and also leaves two sisters, Ann (Tommy) Saye and Nancy (Bob) Thornton, as well as nieces, Casey (Ted) Evans and Lori (Michael) Freeman and nephews, Chris (Ashley) Carter and Corbett Carlton.

Mr. Carlton never met a stranger and had friends scattered all across the country and the globe, thanks to his time in the Navy, his lifelong passion for collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, and his career selling life insurance for Independent Life (later American General) for nearly 40 years. He was an active member of Edwards Chapel Baptist Church.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and staff at Avery Village Assisted Living and Memory Care for their exceptional care of Mr. Carlton for the last 10 months.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens. Following the visitation will be a funeral service at 10:00 AM in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Heath Granthum from Bristol Hospice officiating.

Mr. Carlton will be laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Park, 3655 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to City On The Hill Missions, 105 Timothy Pl., Athens, GA 30606.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.