Mr. Robert Earl “Bob” Carr Sr., 89, beloved husband of Barbara Taylor Carr and a resident of Bloxom, passed away Friday, July 19, 2019, at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Va. Born March 6, 1930, he was a son of the late James V. Carr Sr. and the late Mary B. Wall Carr. Mr. Carr graduated from Mississippi College in 1952, then served his country as a pilot during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Navy Reserves, from which he was honorably discharged as a lieutenant. He started work at NACA in the late 1950’s, remained during the transition to NASA, and worked at NASA Langley and Wallops Island for 25 years. Mr. Carr worked with Tracking and Optical Systems (ultimately retiring as head of that section), providing support to every NASA Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle launch and many other NASA projects and operations throughout his career. Dedicated to his faith, he was a loyal member of St. Thomas United Methodist Church, serving in many ways, including church treasurer and board member, treasurer of the Guilford Charge for many years, and district treasurer for the Eastern Shore District of the United Methodist Church for over 20 years. He was a longtime secretary and a past Worshipful Master of Parksley Masonic Lodge #325, A.F. & A.M. (now Central Lodge #300, A.F. & A.M.), and a past Worthy Patron of Parksley O.E.S. #166. In addition to his loving wife of 55 years, survivors include a son, Robert E. Carr Jr. and his wife, Sheree, of Garner, N.C.; a brother, James V. Carr Jr., of Columbus, Miss.; nephews and nieces, Franklin McDonald (Shantha), Joanne Carr, Janie Hinojosa, Sonya Amis (Gary), and Paula Berry (Jimmy); nieces-in-law, Kathy Evans and Becky Carr; and his dog, Penny. In addition to his parents, Mr. Carr was predeceased by a son, Rodney Michael Carr; nephews, James V. Carr III, Johnny McDonald, Jeffery Carr, and Philip Evans; and sister- in-law, Jo Carr. Funeral services were conducted from the St. Thomas United Methodist Church Wednesday, July 24, 2019, with Mr. George Fulk officiating. Interment followed at the Liberty Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Thomas UMC Missions Fund, c/o Betty Fulk, P.O. Box 385, Parksley, VA 23421. Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com Arrangements were made by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
