Bay County Agricultural Agent for more than 25 years, Horace Mixon Carr, Sr. died on Tuesday, November 24, 2015.
He was born Dec. 3, 1923, one of ten children of John Bunyan and Lola Carr. He grew up in Jay, Florida where his father was a farmer.
Horace joined the US Army in February 1944 and was in General George Patton's 3rd Army, 4th Armored Division, Company B, 51st Armored Infantry Battalion during WW II. He was wounded in combat at Bastogne in the Battle of the Bulge on Dec. 30, 1944 earning a Purple Heart. He earned a combat infantryman badge and left the Army in January 1946.
Auburn University is where he met and married Anne Weaver in 1948. He was a member of Lambda Chi Omega fraternity and earned a BS degree in Agricultural Science in 1950.
Horace and Anne were parents of Libbie, JoAnne, Mickey, Bill and Carolyn. Horace was widowed in 1967 and married Nona Thomas Walker becoming stepfather to Becky, Jimmy and Frank.
His 31 year career as County Agent began in Calhoun County in 1950, Liberty County from October 1950-1954, and then Horace became Bay County Agent until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of the County Agent Association, president 1967, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the USDA in 1967 for superior service and professionalism in extension service. Horace said his biggest thrill professionally was his work with University of Florida to eliminate the screw worm fly in livestock.
Horace became a Director of the Central Panhandle Fair Association in 1954 and was active with the group as long as he lived. He was also a member of the Florida Federation of Fairs and president in 1967. In 2001 at a national conference in Las Vegas, he received the Heritage Award from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions for his outstanding service. A lifetime member of the American Legion, WC Cooper Post 66 Department of Florida and a 25 year member of the Kiwanis Club serving as President and Lt. Gov. for the state organization, Horace was dedicated to the community. He had 20 years of perfect attendance in Kiwanis.
Having passion and dedication to youth, Horace was a leader of the 4H Riding Rebels for more than ten years. Boys and girls won numerous state and national awards as Riding Rebels. In his 31 years of public service, Horace poured his energy, talents and love into the lives of countless community members young and old. He was dedicated to making a difference in this community.
Next to his love of family was his love of fishing. He had a "camp" at Howard Creek for many years and lived for the times he could get away and spend time bream fishing. In his later years, fishing was the best medicine as he battled age and cancer. Having a large family that loved to get together for a fish fry was Horace's reason for catching so many fish and going time and again.
Horace was predeceased by parents, John and Lola Carr, and six brothers and sisters; wives Gloria Anne Weaver Carr and Winona Thomas Walker Carr and her son Jimmy Walker and granddaughter Michelle Broxson.
Horace is survived by his children Libbie Pippin (Danny), JoAnne Miller (Allen), Horace "Mickey" Carr, Jr. (Pat), Bill Carr (Michele) and Carolyn Smith (David); and by his beloved grandchildren Anne Reed (Phil), Amy Nichols (Cody), Chad Miller (Mary Beth), Carly Hurlburt (Francis), Matt Miller (Brittany), Kim Burns (Dewayne), Horace "Trey" Carr, III (Rebecca), Jonathan Carr, Stephen Carr, Chris Carr, Lisa Garrett, Melissa Smith (Chris) and 20 great grandchildren. He is also survived by Nona's children Becky Brashear (Mike), Frank Walker (Olga), Barbara Walker and their beloved children and grandchildren; three sisters Paulaouise Murphy, Velma Bradley and Thelma Nelson and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Dr. Andrew Weber and PA Jim Deas for their medical expertise and Covenant Hospice for their care. Special thanks to Patty Duffell for providing devoted attention and care which enabled Horace to stay in his home.
Horace's memorial service will be held at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel on Friday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Clyde Ellison officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Pallbearers will be grandsons Chad Miller, Matt Miller, Trey Carr, Jonathan Carr, Stephen Carr and Chris Carr.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Horace's name to Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th St., Panama City, FL 32405.