Charlotte - Dr. Benjamin Brandon Carson passed away peacefully on January 28, 2019. He was born on April 8, 1929 in Salisbury, North Carolina, son of the late Bernice Jane Wilson and Ezekiel Sullivan Carson. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty years, Mary Nell George, and an infant daughter, Tamara Kaye Carson.
He is survived by his three children, Dana VanderWood (John) of Greenville, SC, Jill Carson of Greensboro, and David Carson of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Kate Shore (Seth and great-grandson, Oliver), Sarah and Jeffrey (Sheila) VanderWood, and Ali and Zach Carson.
Dr. Carson earned his B.A. degree from Catawba College, a Master’s Degree from Furman University, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Georgia. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955, stationed in England and Texas.
His lifelong devotion to educating others began in 1955 as a classroom teacher in the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system. Due to his leadership skills, polished demeanor, and gift for public speaking, he was soon promoted to school principal. In 1966, he became an adjunct professor at Furman University, while serving as Director of Elementary Education and Assistant Superintendent for the Greenville County Schools. He returned to North Carolina in 1977 as Superintendent of Statesville City Schools, retiring in 1991. His love for teaching undiminished, he served as Professor and Department Chair at Gardner Webb University for another ten years.
Dr. Carson was presented with the NC School Administrator of the Year award in 1989, and was also honored by Catawba College with a distinguished alumnus medal in 2001. In 1983 he served as the President of the Rotary Club in Statesville, receiving a service award for his work.
Ben was active in the Lutheran Church throughout his life. He taught Sunday school to many age groups over the years, and especially enjoyed teaching the Agape Seniors’ Class at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Charlotte.
The family will receive friends from 11:00-11:45 a.m. on Friday, February 1st, at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon in Harry & Bryant's chapel. Interment will be held at Sharon Memorial Park.
For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas, 2101 Sardis Road North, Box 15, Charlotte, NC 28227 (www.parkinsonassociation.org).
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