Robert “Bob” W. Cartrett, 86, passed away Tuesday November 23, 2021, at Gadsden Health and Rehab Care in Gadsden, Alabama. Mr. Cartrett is survived by his wife of 59 ½ years Amelia “Millie” McCartney Cartrett, his two sons, Chris and Craig, daughters-in-law, Shannon and Joy, and four grandchildren, Keely (with whom he made Tik Toks), Jake, Chase and Sam, whom all affectionately called him “Pappa Bob.”
Other than the love he had for his family, Mr. Cartrett was most known for his unsurpassed teaching ability and expertise as a pitching coach. He lent his expertise to many young men throughout Etowah County through the years at all levels, including the pros. The bullpen at Etowah High School was dedicated to Coach “Bob” Cartrett in 2018 in appreciation for his many years of service. His youngest grandson, Sam Cartrett, said, “My Grandpa taught me the mechanics of how to pitch. He taught me how to hold my knee up and stay balanced and how to grip a fastball, a curve ball and a change up properly. I’m going to miss Pappa Bob.”
Mr. Cartrett was born in Augusta, GA on January 9, 1935, to the late Elton and Laurie Pharis Cartrett. Mr. Cartrett was a graduate of Boys Catholic High School in Augusta, signed a scholarship to play football at Clemson College and then entered the United States Navy where he served four years during the Korean War. After his service, he attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he met his wife, Millie. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science from UT Martin, he became a graduate assistant at Memphis State University where he received his Master of Arts degree. While in Memphis, he began his teaching and coaching career at Treadwell High School, where he was the head baseball coach and assistant football coach. He then attended the University of Alabama -Birmingham, where he received an Advanced Study in Education degree and also took the position as head football coach at West End High School in Walnut Grove, Alabama. While at West End, the Patriots brought home the Birmingham Post Herald 2A State Football Championship. He served as principal at West End and then became the principal at Etowah High School. While at Etowah he served as the baseball pitching coach, and during that time the Blue Devils brought home two State Championships. He finished his career in education with the Attalla City Board of Education as Assistant Superintendent where he retired in 1996. He continued coaching baseball at Westbrook Christian School, as well as working with individual athletes. He was a lifelong United Methodist and a member of Attalla First Methodist for 40 years and a member the last 15 years at Christ Central Church in Rainbow City.
He was preceded in death by brothers, EL Cartrett Jr, James Wilbert Cartrett, Emory Pharris Cartrett, Lawrence L. Cartrett and E. Lamont Cartrett
A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 26 at Christ Central Church, 409 West Grand Avenue, Rainbow City, Alabama 35906. Reverend Kevin Asbury will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Attalla. Due to Covid protocols there will be no visitation and social distancing will be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Christ Central Church or Alzheimer’s Association.
Pallbearers:
Jake Cartrett
Chase Cartrett
Sam Cartrett
Cade Runyan
Tommy Runyan
Jonathan Sabat
Honorary Pallbearers:
Blaine Clayton
Barry Clayton
Dr. William D. Clark
Howard Malone
Larry Foster
Matt Kennedy
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