EDWARD E. CARR 1922 - 2013 USMC (RET'D)
Last Friday night, May 24, 2013, Edward Eugene "Ed" Carr of Ruskin, Florida, aged 90, peacefully passed this life to rejoin his beloved family members and friends who have gone on before him.
He was a proud member of America's "Greatest Generation". A true patriot, fierce warrior and defender of America. He was born on October 7, 1922 in the small coal mining town of Bellwood, West Virginia and was an only son. After his father died he was forced to quit school to support his widowed mother and 5 sisters.
In 1939 he joined the US Marine Corps and became a member of the legendary 1st Marine Division. After Pearl Harbor he fought in the Pacific Theater as an infantryman and SBD dive bomber pilot. He fought in every major engagement of the 1st Marine Division from the opening battle of Guadalcanal to the final engagement at Okinawa. At the outbreak of hostilities in 1950, he was sent to Korea and again fought on the front lines at every major battle of the 1st Marine Division, including the famous Inchon amphibious assault which trapped and devastated the North Korean Army. Ed was a highly decorated combat veteran whose decorations include the Purple Heart.
In 1952 he married the love of his life Mary "Pat" Carr, who passed away in 1989 and is still remembered by generations of Ruskin Elementary School children as a beloved librarian.
Together they had four children Brent Carr, a Texas Judge and former Marine Artillery Officer and wife Lesli; Paul Carr a long time Ruskin lawyer, David Carr who passed away in 1979 at the age of 21 and Lisa Carr Janes also a long time local attorney. His seven grandchildren are: 1st Lt. Edward Carr, presently fighting in Afghanistan; Capt. Brent Carr, Jr. a graduate of West Point and Iraqi war veteran; Kathleen Carr Rae presently attending law school; Veronica Carr long time local resident and EMT volunteer; Vanessa Carr a USF graduate and law school applicant, Patrick Duggan who will enter FSU in the fall; and Raquel Janes, a junior high school student and competitive junior olympics swimmer. He had one great grandchild, eight month old Emma Carr.
After retiring from the Marine Corps. in 1962 Ed joined the Hillsborough County Civil Defense and served 20 years. He completed his career by serving as Civil Defense Coordinator for all of Hillsborough County. During the last several decades of his life, he was a community activist and compassionate humanitarian. He was a well known Notary Public who enjoyed helping those less fortunate than himself. In his final years, he enjoyed family reunions and get-togethers with friends. He played the harmonica and especially looked forward to singing and playing "old timey" songs and music with his children, grandchildren and friends. Edward was a long time member of the Ruskin VFW, Desoto Masonic Lodge, the Ruskin United Methodist Church and other local organizations.
We bid a fond farewell to an old warrior and patriot who fittingly passed from this life at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend. Gone but never forgotten. Semper Fi! The viewing will be at 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the VFW Hall in Ruskin, Florida. Graveside services will follow at the Ruskin Memorial Park. The Ruskin VFW Hall is located at 5120 U.S. Hwy 41 N., Ruskin, FL 33572, phone number (813) 645-2935.