Wilfred Ray Carlin

Wilfred Ray Carlin, loving, Daddy, Paw Paw, Great Grandfather, and Great Great Grandfather, left his earthly home on August 21, 2022. Our family takes comfort in the knowledge that he now sits in a huge rocker up above, sharing his heart and humming his favorite old time country ballads, his lap filled to the brim with all of our angel babies that left us way too soon. He was a graduate of Istrouma Senior High School and served his country in the Korean War, after which time he returned to his responsibilities in the family business, Carlin's Grocery and Market, a North Baton Rouge mainstay for 65 years.

Our beloved Father was the adopted son to countless North Baton Rouge Families. Our lasting image of him will be at the grocery counter, in his white apron, cheerfully welcoming each customer as a potential family member. This resulted in his nickname of “Brother” by many in the community. His perpetual acts of kindness and care towards the elderly, the underprivileged, and physically impaired population throughout the area are well documented. Countless North Baton Rouge families were sustained through hard times simply by the generosity of this man. His early upbringing in the back bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin, along with family members challenged with speech and hearing impairments, led to a unique affinity for those customers similarly challenged. Many traveled long distances through the years to be embraced by his brotherly compassion as they entered his store. These relationships left an indelible mark on his heart; his stories and remembrances continued through his final days. His compassionate spirit, as with his Mother before him, allowed his children to enjoy an enduring extended family, with our Father as its cornerstone.

He embodied a patient, selfless soul. Whether we kids were painstakingly mastering the art of paddling our first pirogue, impatiently learning just which tug on that fishing cork was the final one, or watching in bafflement as our young awkward fingers accidentally tipped those edges of that crawfish trap just a wee bit too far —only to watch our prized bounty skitter away to safety, his patience never faltered. His undermining of Mom's futile attempts at discipline are legendary. His authentic, steadfast upbringing led to a total devotion to family and friends shared by few, and he embraced this philosophy every day of his life. Daddy epitomized Love.

All of us, regardless of age, were referred to as his "hearts”, and were spoiled and loved each and every day. Now, left to carry on the spirit of this incredible role model, are Patti Durham and husband, Kirby, Dr. Brad Carlin and wife, Debbie, Peggi Mueller and husband, Harvey, Polli Lancaster and husband, Paul, and Nalton Thompson and wife, Cindi. Daddy will live forever in the hearts of his 10 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great, Great Grandchild. He is also survived by his Sister and Brother-in-Law, Annie Lou and Bob Chambers,

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Helen Marie Davis Carlin, his parents, Clarence and Effie Carlin, his sister, Audrey Mae Carlin Guidry and husband Roland, brother Kenwood (Boo) Carlin, Parents In-Law John W. and Effie Davis, and In-Laws Emma and Boyd Eisworth, Marian and Rocco DeBenedetto, and Lee and John W. Davis Junior.

Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Sunday, August 28, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Daddy’s eight cherished grandsons. The family is grateful for his joyful days with his late in life family at the Williamsburg Retirement Community. We are indebted to his caregivers for their tender-hearted care over these poignant months, and are thankful for the compassionate oversight provided by Hospice of Baton Rouge. We especially treasure the tranquility fostered within him by his special angel, Sarah Thomas, as he fearfully navigated these daunting covid months. In honor of Daddy's deep love of all of his Babies and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial remembrances be made to St Jude Children's Hospital.

"Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

A live stream video will be available for family and friends who are unable to attend in person. Please visit: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=6e86be0a-891d-450e-9040-2bffa3d32177