He worked the store in East End, 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, until Carson's Store was closed in December 1995 after 60 years in business. He was a member of Monticello Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Monticello Country Club and past president of the Monticello Merchants Association.
When not working, he was an avid sports fan and loved going to the ballgames of the Billies, the Boll Weevils, and the Razorbacks. He loved playing slo-pitch softball and was an all-star pitcher. He was very active in youth baseball - he was one of the handful of fathers who built the first Little League field. He was PA announcer for Little League games and served as president of the Little League, the Babe Ruth League and the Monticello Youth Council. He loved to travel after retirement, take photographs and home movies, and play Sunday afternoon water volleyball with the family. He loved to feed and watch the birds in his backyard. He was passionate about family, community, and sports. He devoted his life to his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Margaret Carson, a sister Athalie Carson Gabbie, and two brothers Frank "Buddy" Carson Jr. and Jack Carson. He is survived by Josephine Carson, his wife of 66 years, his five children and their respective spouses: Susan Baum, Johnny Adkins, Keith Williams, Sheri Carson and Robbie Gibson, by six grandchildren: Michael Adkins, Kate Adkins, Joseph Engelkes, John David Carson and wife Courtney, Jason Carson, Anna Gibson, and by one great-grandchild, Chase William Carson.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 21 at 2 pm at St Mark's Catholic Church in Monticello. The family suggests donations to the St Mark's Catholic Church Building Fund, the Arkansas Hospice Foundation, or the UAM Sports Foundation.
Condolences(31)
R. Pettigrew
, CO Tuesday, February 24, 2015 With our deepest condolences to The Carson Family. May you find great comfort from this scripture. (Revelation 21:4).Phil Reginelli
Jonesboro, AR Tuesday, February 24, 2015 Dear. Jo, Mike, Susan, Lisa, Pat and JohnIt seems so inadequate to just say "I share your loss." I cannot express my sincere regrets on Billy's passing. He was such a great person,always courteous and kind to me and all our family. Jo, you could not have picked a better person to share you life with. There was such anticipation before every visit from Jo and Billy and Marie and Ervin when they came to see Mrs. Rosie. I will always cherish those visits, family outings and card games. Again I share your loss. Rest in peace ole friend , Phil Reginelli
Jimmy Akin
Tallahassee, FL Friday, February 20, 2015 Mike, Susan, Pat, John and Lisa, your Dad was a good man. He was kind and patience with a good sense of humor. He loved his family and community. My prayers and thoughts are with you.Ben & Annette Olivi
Cleveland, MS Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Dear Aunt Jo and family,We will keep your family in our prayers.
We send our deepest sympathies during
this time of sorrow.
Fred & Babara Reginelli
Shaw, MS Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Dear Aunt Josephine & Family,We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Our thought and prayers are with you.
Fred & Barbara
Pat Rogers McKinney
McKinney, TX Tuesday, February 17, 2015 I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that God will bring peace and comfort to all of you.Jack & Diane Mazanti
grady, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 Our thoughts are with you at this time.Corinne Eldridge
Forrest City, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 Dear Carson family,Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of all the Carsons, especially Carson's Store! I took a picture of Billy at the 'charge ticket' box. I will try and find it to send to y'all. There was no place like it! Wonderful, wonderful memories!
John & Virginia Ward
Monticello, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Mr. Billy was a wonderful man and will be missed. We love you all.Tiny Thatcher Irons
Keller, TX Monday, February 16, 2015 Prayers for your family! May God provide you with comfort and peace! He was a remarkable man and you guys are a remarkable family! Lots of great memories with you!Tiny Thatcher Irons
Jana Martin landes
laguna beach, CA Monday, February 16, 2015 I have the best memories of Billy and Jo from my monticello years! They were. Both very special to me!! Enjoyed many weekends at pats pool with the entireCarson clan!! Love to you all!!
Jana Martin landes
Allen Jeter
Crossett, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family with the loss of Mr. Billy !! I made a lot of trips across the street from Dad's Mobil business to Carson's grocery and Mr. Billy was always so kind and nice on every trip over !! May God Bless you all during this time !!Mary Ann Box Stone
Almyra, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 To the Carson family,I send my deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your dear husband & father. Remembering Mr Billy will always give me great joy. I can never recall a time that he didn't take the time to speak kindly to me as a child & as an adult. He was one of Monticello's gentlemen.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Box Stone
Kathy Hodge Kramer
washougal, WA Monday, February 16, 2015 Love you and Uncle Billy.Meredith, Sarah, & Jabob Levart, Morgan Gardner
Benton, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful man who loved by many and will never be forgotten.Lisa, Robbie, and Anna you're in our hearts and our prayers.
Paige (Hill) Stell & Family
Monticello, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 You are all in our thoughts & prayers during the difficult days ahead. Mr. Carson will be missed by many. Such a sweet & caring person.Love, John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, & Jared
Laura Lee Dearman
, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 Jo and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Billy had the most amazing relationship and family. I have so many memories of shopping at Carson's Store and "Athalee's". I'm sending prayers that you all will find comfort in God's love and in the love of your many, many friends.Dolly Rhodes Farmer
Monticello, AR Monday, February 16, 2015 I'm so sorry for your loss, and praying for the comfort and peace only God can give you.Denise Morbit
Little Rock, AR Sunday, February 15, 2015 Dear Jo,I am so sorry for your loss. May your joyful memories of your dear Billy comfort you and your family, And may Christ's peace be with you. Love, Denise
Denise Morbit
Little Rock, AR Sunday, February 15, 2015 Dear Jo,I am so sorry for your loss. May your joyful memories of your dear Billie comfort you and your family, And may Christ's peace be with you. Love, Denise
Robin and Kenny Kohnson
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 15, 2015 My heart is so sad to hear of Mr. Billy. So many memories of the grocery store letting Mandy And Katie play check out. The memories him with his family and how proud he was of them. May God be with each of you during this difficult time. All our love, Robin and Kenny JohnsonGlenda Gilbert Howard
McKinney, TX Saturday, February 14, 2015 My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you as you grieve the loss of Mr. Billy.Kim Kendrick
Star City, AR Saturday, February 14, 2015 So sorry to hear about Mr. Billy, he was a fine man and I am glad I got the chance to meet him. He will truly be missed. Everyone will be in our thoughts and prayers. Kim and DavidLelia Davis
monticello, AR Saturday, February 14, 2015 Ms. Jo and family I just saw that Mr. Billy passed. So sorry .I was honored to have known him for the last several years. He was a special person that I will always remember with fondness and respect. I love him and you like you are my own.My thoughts and prayers are with you.Marianne Jasay-Zeno
Little Rock, AR Saturday, February 14, 2015 Carson's, So many wonderful memories.. Love you all, your in my thoughts and prayers.Rose and Albert Luzietti
Conway, AR Saturday, February 14, 2015 Our heartfelt condolences to Aunt Jo and her beautiful family.Pat Scifres Montgomery
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 14, 2015 So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Hazel Potts\
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 14, 2015 Dear FamilyI was sorry to hear of Mr Billy going home to be with the Lord. He was s fine person and will he missed by many I remember my family shopping in the Carson store until it closed may you find peace in the loving arms of our Savior My prayers are with the family
Hazel Sanders Potts
Owen & Carole Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Friday, February 13, 2015 Pat, Susan and families, We were so sorry to read of your great loss. Please accept our sincere sympathy. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers at this most difficult time. Praying that the Lord will give you strength, comfort and peace.Love, Carole & Owen Rushing
BobbyMargaret Gilliam
Shreveort, LA Friday, February 13, 2015 Our Prayers are for Bill Mckiever Carson and family andfriends. We knew him well growing up in Monticello
before going to U. of Arkansas in Fayetteville on a
football scholarship. Also the Mckievers...
Jennifer McDonnell Thompsin
Hickory, NC Friday, February 13, 2015 Mrs. Jo,I am so very sorry to hear about Mr. Billy. He will be missed. He and the rest of the Carsons are very special to me. May God comfort you during this time and always. You are in my prayers.
Love always,
Jennifer McDonnell Thompson