Carlie Baxter Jr.

He was a member of Kingswood United Methodist Church and was a member of a Chatom Masonic Lodge # 740 32nd degree Mason & Shriner with Abba Temple Shrine. Mr. Baxter served in the Merchant Marine in the Pacific during World War II.

Carlie Baxter, Jr. was widely known and respected in the marine industry. His career began at the age of 18 when in 1943 be obtained his engineering license though the Merchant Marine Academy and served in the Pacific during World War II. From 1950-1960 he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve; assigned duties included commercial contracts, damage control & stability; lay up reactivation of U.S. Navy Ships and long term assignment to Military Sealift Command (1950-1956). He obtained an honorable discharge in 1960.

He joined the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in 1956 retiring from ABS after 32 years in 1988. The last 10 years of which he was Area Principal stationed in New Orleans, LA for U.S. Gulf Coast, Mexico, Central America and Panama. During his years with ABS, he inspected passenger vessels, cargo vessels, refrigerated vessels; off shore drilling units (all types). While in Northern Europe he was senior surveyor on container vessels, tankers, 130,000 cu M-LNG carriers and VLCC's. While Area Principal he was assigned to the Rule Making body of the Mobile Offshore Drilling Rig Committee for formulating Rules and Regulations for construction and survey of offshore units.

After retiring from ABS, in 1988, he started his own company (C. Baxter, Jr. & Associates Intl. Inc.) offering services as Marine Consultants / Engineers/Architects/Surveyors/Brokers and OSHA inspections in all principles of marine equipment.

As a life long Republican Mr. Baxter was active in politics and served on the National Republican congressional committee; the Advisory Board and was recognized by President George Bush as being placed on the Honor Roll; as well as NRC's Business Man of the Year in 2000, 2003 and 2004. He received a letter of appreciation for his service from President Bush in 2005.

Mr. Baxter never met a stranger and was well known for his generosity and helping hand to those in need. He welcomed all challenges and was known for never giving up before the job was done. His family, their welfare and security was always his first priority. His belief in God never waivered and throughout his life he sought more for others than for himself.

He is survived by his wife Myra Baxter; three step children, Rebecca (Robert) Mullins, Travis (Julie) Wall, Clinton (Jenny) Wall; son, Carl Baxter; daughters, Lynne (Glen) Ishee, Lesia (Aubre) Pouncey; sister in law, Carol (Alan) Adelberg; sisters, Vieva Leigh Godwin, Bobbie (James) Morrow; brothers, Otis (Billie) Baxter, W.M. Baxter; nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, close extended family and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 10 AM from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Graveside services and interment will be held on Thursday at 1:00 PM in Fairhope Cemetery in Chatom, Alabama.

Arrangements under the direction of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Mobile, AL.