Carr, Merrell
Friday, March 07, 2008
Ivor VA
CLIFTON “MERRELL” CARR, SR, age 77, a resident of Ivor, died after a long illness on Friday, March 7, 2008 at his home while surrounded by his loving family. Merrell was born on May 17, 1930 in Isle of Wight County, son of the late Robert Clifton Carr and Mattie Joyner Carr. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Parker Carr; a son, Clifton Merrell Carr, Jr. and his wife, Ginnie, of Ivor; a daughter, Sandra Carr Vick and her husband, Greg, of Courtland; a granddaughter, Tamee Carr Railey and her husband, Benjamin, of Wakefield; a grandson, Andrew Vick of Courtland; two brothers, George R. Carr and his wife, Carolyn, and Herbert B. Carr and his wife, Judy, all of Ivor; a sister-in-law Virginia Gray of Franklin; and a brother-in-law Earl Parker and his wife, Deloris, of Sedley. He was predeceased by a sister, Janet C. Stieh.
Merrell was a 1949 graduate of Ivor High School and he was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 during the Korean War. He later served in the U. S. Army Reserves. In 1957 he married his sweetheart, Barbara Parker, and the couple settled in Ivor where Merrell farmed with his brother George on Carr Brothers Farms in Sussex and Southampton Counties. Until his illness three years ago, Merrell was an active member and former deacon of Ivor Baptist Church. Involved in a variety of civic and social organizations, he had served as an Ivor Town Councilman for 22 years and during this time was chairman of the Ivor Cemetery Committee. Merrell also served on several county committees involving farming. He was a 50-year active member of the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department and was an honorary member at the time of his death. He had formerly held every office in the Fire Department. He was a founder of the Ivor Junior Fire Department in 1975 and he especially enjoyed being in charge of selecting the Santa Claus for the department’s annual Community Christmas Party.. Ivor citizens had fun trying to guess who the Santa would be and Merrell was proud that for 50 years he never selected the same Santa. Merrell was a charter member of the Ivor Volunteer Rescue Squad and was proud to have been on the crew that made the first call for the squad on July 4, 1969.
Merrell spent many happy years with his son, Merrell Jr., participating in various types of racing including go-carts, mini-bikes, motorcycles, dirt-track and tractor pulls. He loved farming and gardening and he especially loved to dance.
A funeral service will be held on Monday March 10, 2008 at 3:00 PM in the Purviance Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Wakefield. The Rev. Jarvis Hearn will officiate. Burial with military and fire department honors will be held in Ivor Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and at other times at the residence. Memorial donations may be made to the Ivor Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 213, Ivor VA 23866 or the Ivor Volunteer Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 228, Ivor VA 23866. Condolences may be posted at www.jtmorriss.com.
To the Carr family. I've kept up with Merrell's illness in recent months through "little Rell" at my place of work when he came by on occasion. I was especially saddened to learn of his passing away on Friday. In the days of racing gocarts, minibikes (#5X and the Green Thing) and motorcycles, Merrell was around the house at Mama and Daddy's a bunch. We always enjoyed his company and he always had a smile and a laugh regardless of how sour things got on occasion. I'll never forget the Saturday night when he drove the gocart to Elton Raiford's house followed by Dennis, Larry and Jayton on their motorcycles! They came back all excited about the cart doing over 60 MPH! Merrell,Joe Barnes and Elton Raiford were three men I've looked up to as a young kid because they were always fun to be around and were good role models to me. I'm rambling here but I want you all to know he was a good man and a GREAT friend. God bless you all.
Mrs. Carr and family,
When we moved to Ivor in 2000, Mr. Carr was one of the first to welcome us. We always enjoyed talking with him whenever he would stop by. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
Barbara Ann, Lil Rell, Sandra & Family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancy
To the Carr Family,
It's is always hard to let go, but please know Big Rell is at peace now. It is time to take care of each other now and know that my prayers are with you all.
Wanda
Mrs. Carr and family,
In 1987 Paul Harvey wrote a poem entitled "So God made a Farmer.." In that piece, he talks about the type of man it takes to be a farmer, the long hours, coupled with a willingness to help others and a kind, loving heart. Although we never met the man, that certainly sounds like the kind of man Merrell was. Please find comfort in knowing that many people are better off, having known the man or touched by his many kind acts. You are in our prayers, and we wish you all Godspeed.
Greg and Gina Tolbert, Fishersville, Va
Mrs.Carr and family,
I am very sorry about the loss of Merrell. Just wanted you and your family to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Merrell always spoke to you whenever he saw you, whether it was about farming or what was going on in the neiborhood, there was no stranger to him since i have known him. My sympathy goes out to you and the family.
Love always,
Rusty Fleming
Dear Sandra,Andrew,Greg and family....
Sandra, I never got the chance to meet your dad...but I know from what you've told me it would have been an honor to have known him..I know you all have many wonderful memories to wrap around you and always remember. He left a legacy of love that goes on with your mom, his children and grandchildren.....Mr. Carr is in the Lord's loving arms now, watching over and loving you all.... my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...
Looks like a thunderstorm's coming as I type this...think I better keep an eye on this one..right Mr. Carr
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We went thru the loss of Ward's mother, just recently. Our thoughts and prayers and our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family.
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