| Mr. Michael L. Carr, Sr., 69, of 500 Brookside Drive, passed away Friday, March 2, 2012 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Samuel Lattie and Sarah Elizabeth Riddle Carr. He was an entertainer, playing the piano; he brought a wealth of talent to the performing stage. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, he retired after a twenty plus years military career. His last and most enjoyable tour was with the United States Continental Army Band at historic Fort Monroe, VA, where he directed the Big Band Jazz ensemble. Also formed, named, and served as both director and performer with a youth oriented group, “Tradoc Rock”, utilized nationwide by recruiters to give an alternate concept to many preconceived ideas concerning military music. In civilian life, he formed the Vegas type floor show band “The New Carr Company” with a live album to their credit. Other talents found Mike in radio and television as a morning personality and television weatherman for WSOC in his hometown area of Charlotte, North Carolina. He also hosted a morning show on WNRN, FM. He wrote and produced several jingles and was still doing voice-overs and commercials for many agencies. Since his retirement from service, Virginia Beach was his talent outlet for two decades. He performed five nights a week at only two 4-star restaurants for the entire period, earning accolades from tourists, locals and management of venues where he played. Mike was also a published author on line. You can find his book, Dorothy, the Homecoming” online at www.greatunpublished.com. He currently has three CD’s to his credit displaying his piano and keyboard talents. Mike and his wife Diane “Rusty” moved back to Shelby where he enjoyed being semi-retired.
SURVIVED: He is survived by his wife, Diane “Rusty” Speers Carr; one son, Michael Carr, Jr. and wife Lisa; one daughter, April Stearns all of Shelby; two step-sons, Glenn M. Askew, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA and Jason W. Askew and wife Kim of Damascus, Maryland; two grandchildren, Zachery Stearns and Luke Carr; step-granddaughter, Tara Nichole Askew.
SERVICES: A funeral service will be held, 1:00 pm, Saturday at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home Chapel of Shelby.
VISITATION: The family will receive friends from 11:00 am-1:00 pm Saturday at the funeral home and other times at the home.
CLERGY: Rev. Jared Pankhurst.
BURIAL: Burial will immediately follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.
FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby
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