Robert Edward Carr

US Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) ADCS (Retired) Robert Edward Carr, 90, was born October 20, 1935, in Columbia, SC, to the late McKinley Carr Sr. and Louise Ross Carr. He peacefully transitioned on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Covenant Place in Sumter, SC. Raised in Columbia’s Waverly community as one of seven children, Robert, a fraternal twin, was an active member of First Nazareth Baptist Church and a 1953 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. Known for his competitive spirit, he excelled in football and served as yearbook editor and artist. In 1954, driven by a desire to serve his country and see the world, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy. Over 31 years, he served with distinction at stations across the country and aboard several aircraft carriers, including the USS Enterprise, USS Coral Sea, and USS Nimitz. He participated in major historical events such as the Bay of Pigs and the Vietnam War. Robert’s exceptional mechanical skill led him into naval aviation, where he became a fighter jet engine mechanic—an opportunity rarely afforded to African Americans in the 1950s. He later served with both the elite Blue Angels and the Top Gun Squadron. His leadership and dedication earned him the rank of Senior Chief. He retired honorably from Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 1985. Even after retirement, “Senior Chief,” as he proudly preferred to be called, continued to support military communities. He worked as a machinist at National Waterlift and Parker in Beaufort, SC, and later at the Parris Island Commissary, where his natural ability to lead never faded. Robert married Catherine Daise of St. Helena Island on January 22, 1959. Their 66-year union was built on love, mutual trust, and shared devotion. Together they raised three children—Marva, Kevin, and Rhonda—and he was also father to his daughter Sandra. His family was his greatest joy. In the 1990s, Robert accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at Community Bible Church in Beaufort, where he enjoyed Men’s Bible Study, the Men’s Service Ministry, and even singing in the Christmas choir with Catherine. A generous and protective man, he quietly supported loved ones, mentored young men, and welcomed many into the family circle. He was preceded in death by his parents, McKinley Carr, Sr. and Louise Ross Carr; stepmother, Martha Beatty Carr; brothers, McKinley (Essie) Carr, Jr. and Quincy Carr, Sr.; sisters, Robertha Carr (Willie George) Franklin, Robena (Frankie) Roberson, Dorothy Carr Young, and Mary Georgetta Carr (Ted) Hammond; daughter, Sandra Elaine Weston Perkins; and several other beloved family members. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Catherine Daise Carr; children, Marva Carr (Ernest) Session of Sumter, South Carolina, Kevin Edward Carr of Hermitage, Tennessee, and Rhonda J. Carr (Sergio) Rodengen of Columbia, South Carolina; and grandchildren Antoine (Shannon) Taylor, Sonya Taylor Lemon, and Mark Taylor, all of Columbia, South Carolina; Michael (Diamond) Session of Lexington, South Carolina; Kendall Session of Blythewood, South Carolina; Monica Session of Sumter, South Carolina; Myla Carr and Makayla Carr, both of Hermitage, Tennessee; and Elisa Rodengen, Alexis Rodengen, Katia Rodengen, and Diego Rodengen, all of Columbia, South Carolina, and Olivia Rodengen of Charleston, South Carolina. He is also survived by twenty (20) great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Jenniese B. Carr; brothers-in-law William S. Young, Sr., Stanley(Aminese) Daise, and Ronald (Natalie) Daise; mentored son Gerry (JoAnn) Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. A Life Well Lived We rejoice in knowing that our husband, father, and hero now rests in the fullness of the Lord. Semper Fortis — Always Courageous. Acknowledgments The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Covenant Senior Nursing Facility in Sumter, SC, for their dedicated and compassionate care.

Robert Edward Carr

October 20, 1935 - December 9, 2025