Carl Lee Bumgardner, Jr. PhD

He is predeceased in death by his beloved wife of 58 yrs, Ann Adams Bumgardner; son Nathan Kurt Bumgardner; and his sisters, Edna Bumgardner Lewis, Hazel Bumgardner Stuart, Myrtle Beatrice Bumgardner and Regis Bumgardner Breeland.

He is survived by four sons; Carl L. (Tammie) Bumgardner III, Erich A. Bumgardner, Joel D. (Michael) Bumgardner, and Malcolm B. (Chrissie) Bumgardner, seven grandchildren; Rachel (Willie) Keith, Christopher Bumgardner, Sarah (Josh) Snotherly, Heather (Nathan) Gordon, Emily Bumgardner, Rhen Bumgardner and Alex Bumgardner and eight great grandchildren; Christopher Bumgardner, John Michael Gordon, Sawyer Keith, Violet Keith, Cora Snotherly, Mary Elizabeth Gordon, Mabel Snotherly and Matthew Bumgardner.

After graduating from Belmont High School, Carl enlisted and served in the Navy (1943-1946) as a Japanese Interpreter and Translator during World War II. Afterward, he returned to Belmont, enrolling in Belmont Abbey (1946-1947), then using the GI Bill attended the University of Toronto (1948-1952). After graduating with his B.S. in Chemical Engineering, he pursued his graduate studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, (1952-1956) in Cambridge MA and earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry.

While in school in Cambridge, he met the love of his life, Ann L. Adams. They were married at Trinity Church in Boston MA in October 1956. After a one-year post-doctoral position at MIT, he was employed by Rohm and Haas Co (1957-1964), at the Redstone Research Facility in Huntsville AL, to develop high energy propellants for rockets and missiles. In August 1964, they moved to Raleigh NC when he joined the Chemistry Department at NC State University. He had a highly successful and impactful career over the next 40 years in the Chemistry Department. His tenure included receiving the department’s first National Science Foundation research grant, recruiting the department’s first female faculty professor, providing leadership as Head of the Department for nine years and publishing over 75 journal articles on his research in Fluorine chemistry. He was highly dedicated to and effective in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and young faculty. He was recognized for his excellence in teaching by being selected by the students as one of the top 30 professors at NC State University.

Carl was known for his passion for family, colleagues, students and neighbors. The Christmas parties he and Ann hosted every year for the chemistry faculty and staff, students and neighbors were legendary as was his love of chocolate. His depth and breadth of knowledge ranged from music, sports, science, history, the bible and of course chemistry. His ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds was unique and always accompanied with humor and kindness.

His solid foundation was built in early childhood through the guidance of his parents, and after their passing, continued to flourish under the care of his four older sisters. A talented musician, athlete, and supporter of the Arts, he played drums and oboe at Belmont High School, served as drum major and played basketball at Belmont Abbey, and later played drums in his cousin’s band. His love for sports extended throughout his education—he was a member of the engineering basketball team at the University of Toronto, a catcher on MIT’s softball team, and a skilled badminton player, winning several tournaments at Rohm and Haas in Huntsville. He also had a deep appreciation for ballet, classical music, jazz and opera.

Above all, he cherished time with his children, attending their baseball, tennis, swimming, diving, gymnastics, and soccer events. As his family grew, so did his joy, as he spent time playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of inspiration. Additionally, he treasured spending time with his nieces Clay Coldron and Nona Breeland and her husband Frank Maness. A devoted animal lover, he strongly supported the Humane Society and happily took in many of his children’s pets. His passion for learning and reading remained with him throughout his life, shaping his curiosity and love for knowledge.

He had a strong faith in God and was always servant minded. Carl attended Ridge Road Baptist for 60 years where he served as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and was known for his moving readings of Luke 2:1-20 at the Christmas Eve Services (including this past Christmas at age 100). He treasured being an active member of the “Seekers” Sunday School Class until he died.

The funeral service will be at the Ridge Road Baptist Church, 211 Ridge Road, Raleigh NC, 27607, on Sunday March 2nd at 3:00 pm, with reception at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Ann Bumgardner and Myrtle Bumgardner Scholarship fund (https://go.ncsu.edu/bumgardner). Checks may be made out to NC State College of Sciences Foundation and mailed to: NC State College of Sciences Foundation, Campus Box 8118, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695, or to the Ann & Myrtle Bumgardner Scholarship in Chemical Engineering at University of Toronto, 21 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3J3.

Service arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.