Dr. Charles Carr lived as a scholar, athlete, musician, artist, veteran, and a man of faith. Throughout his many years in school such as West Chester High School, University of Delaware, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1955, he also excelled in the art of the clarinet and saxophone, while earning 4 lettermen's in football, boxing, soccer, and track. He was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.
As a World War II veteran, Dr. Charles Carr simultaneously serving his country also played in the US Army's band- assigned stateside due to his 3 older siblings who were deployed overseas. He played in the band to cheer up the troops who were sent off and returning home from battle.
Dr. Carr was a very accomplished musician his whole life, playing the organ, clarinet, and saxophone. He played in several bands including the US Army Band, R Carr Band and The Dixie Docs. He played with several celebrities in duet performances such as Bob Snyder and Doc Severinsen.
Dr. Carr was an avid hunter and golfer. Two of his most memorable moments were shooting his age, and getting a hole in one which "cost him a lot of money" paying to celebrate the occasion with all of his friends at his golf club.
Dr. Carr’s church affiliations are Anona United Methodist Church in Largo, Florida, for over 50 years; and Bright Hope Laurel United Methodist Church in Mars Hill, North Carolina while residing the summers there for over 30 years.
Dr. Carr was a member of West Chester Lodge No. 322 Free & Accepted Masons, and Star Lodge #78 F.&A.M Largo. He was also a lifetime member of the Florida's Sherriff's Association, Lions Club, Pinellas County Osteopathic Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association. His honors included being a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, and earning a Lifetime Award from the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Association. He also served as the Co-Chairman of the Hospice Ball of Pinellas County.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Carr and Edith Carr; his brothers, Robert H. Carr, Norris Carr, Raymond H. Carr and Norman Carr; and his sister, Dorothy Erwin.
Charles is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hazlett Carr; his sons, Charles L. Carr Jr., D.O. and Raymond Carr (Tami); his daughters, Cynthia Ballard, Cheryl Conkel, Lynne Carr, D.O., Holly Bessell (Jim), and Heather Carr DuBay; his grandchildren, Sarah Carr, Jane Carr, Brian Santone (Dee), Joel Irwin, Chaz Irwin, Marci Lynne Kennell (Jota), Katherine Bessell, Michael Bessell, Stephanie Columbus, Nicholas Columbus (Kelly), Joshua Warihay, Alexander DuBay, Sean Carr and Olivia Carr; and his great-grandchildren, Brian Irwin, Demetrius Irwin, Demetria Irwin and Raelyn Kennell. Charles is also survived by his very loved sister-in-law, Dixie Crook and family of Logan, Utah.
The visitation for Charles will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 PM, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Home, followed by interment with military honors at 2:00 PM at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park.
A reception take place following the services on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM at Serenity Funeral Home.
Donations may be made in his honor to the "Music Program" at Anona United Methodist Church.
The services may be viewed at centralbaymarket.com.
The service password is Charles1105.
The virtual room will open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled service start time. Please note that the start of the live webcast will begin when the actual service begins.
