Robert P. “Bob” Carr

Robert P. “Bob” Carr of Morganton, NC died Tuesday, September 16, 2014. Born in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late Nelson Jordan Carr and Winnie Mary Hilliard Carr. Mr. Carr was a loyal member of Glen Alpine Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Carr served in Europe with the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and graduated from N.C. State University with a degree in civil engineering. Bob came back to Morganton and worked as an engineer with the city. He went on to become city manager for 16 years and then as an executive vice president with Henredon Furniture Company for 13 years. In 1983, Mr. Carr, along with his son, Rob, opened and operated Carr and Company.
Mr. Carr was a past member of the Morganton Rotary Club and the J.C. Club. He was instrumental in bringing numerous industries to Morganton. He served on the board at Grace Hospital and helped purchase the land on which the current hospital sits. For many years Mr. Carr served with the Morganton-Lenoir Airport Authority. He was also a local Boy Scout leader and an avid gardener.
In the late 60s Mr. Carr served on the Glen Alpine School Board and later the Burke County School Board. He was a charter member and has served as a member of Western Piedmont Community College for the last 50 years. He played a key role in leading the growth and design of Western Piedmont Community College and was chairman of the building and grounds committee. In 1997, Mr. Carr was honored by the having the business hall, Carr Hall, named after him. He served several times as the chairman of the board at W.P.C.C.
Mr. Carr is survived by his son, Robert Carr, and a daughter, Agnes Jane Carr, both of the home; his caregiver and friend, Brandy Buchanan; a brother, James “Jim” Carr of Morganton; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Kerley and Laura Gordon and her husband, Waits, all of Morganton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Carr was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Garrison Carr; a brother, Benjamin Carr; and a sister, Margaret Nelson Collett.
The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014 at Forest Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Howard Doerle officiating. Military honors will be provided by the N.C. National Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Western Piedmont Foundation, 1001 Burkemont Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Glen Alpine Presbyterian Church, 101 Horse Shoe Lane, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.