Hugh “Chubby” Carson passed away on his 85th birthday at Huntsville Hospital surrounded by his family. Hugh was born to Mae Hammer Carson and Wade Clarence Carson in Stony Point, NC (Alexander County). Hugh was raised in Danville, VA and graduated from George Washington High School in 1950 where he was active in most of the sports programs. He was employed at Southern Bell Telephone Co. when he was called up from the Navy reserve unit in Greensboro, NC during the Korean Conflict. Hugh served as a radioman on the minesweeper USS Macomb. After his service, he attended and graduated from North Carolina State in Raleigh, NC with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, Hugh began his professional career at Douglas Aircraft in Charlotte, NC as an engineer on the Nike-Zeus project. Accepted a job with Chrysler Corporation in Huntsville, Al as an engineer in guidance and control on the Saturn rocket, Hugh established his life and family in Huntsville, AL. His next jobs were Teledyne-Brown, Federal Electric, and Sperry-Rand. His final career change was with the Department of Defense as he joined the Army Missile Command (DARPA) prior to his retirement. Hugh received a Master Degree from UAH in Administrative Science. Hugh held professional Engineering licenses in North Carolina and Alabama.
Hugh was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was a member of the Lakewood Baptist Church for 42 years where he served as a life deacon, Sunday School teacher, Brotherhood President, RA leader, choir member, and Chairman of the Pulpit Committees. The last 12 years he has been a member of the First Baptist Church on Governors Drive. Hugh was an avid golfer who played in many tournaments and loved the game.
Hugh is survived by wife of 63 years, Roberta Powers Carson. Their children are Major (Retired) Jeffery Lee Carson (Gayle Tucker) Enterprise, AL; Daphne Carson Minshew (Mark) Fayetteville, TN; Rebecca Carson Caneer (Art); and Timothy Hugh Carson (Sarah Woodbury) all from Huntsville, AL; and brother Ronald T. Carson (Bonnie) Danville, VA; and other relatives in the Danville, VA, North Carolina and California area. Grandchildren are Shannon Stone, Stephanie Owens (Matthew), Bethany Minshew, Matthew Minshew, Daniel Caneer, Hallie Caneer, and Caroline Caneer. Great-grandchildren are Carson Stone, Caleb Shuffitt, Taylor Owens, and Kaylie Owens. Hugh’s parents preceded him in death as well as his sister, Loretta Carson, brothers Haskell Carson (Ruby), Durell Carson (Louise) and niece Betty Sue Alvis (Jerry).
The service to celebrate his life will be at First Baptist Church Chapel on Saturday, July 5, 2014 with visitation from 1 to 3 pm followed by services at 3 pm and military graveside service at 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to Alzheimer’s Association, 117A Longwood Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801 and Children’s Center Adult Program CCAP of Montgomery, 310 North Madison Terrace, Montgomery, AL 36107. Condolences may be sent to PO Box 626, Meridianville, AL 35759 or carson.huroberta @gmail.com.
