of Jonesboro, AR
May 31, 1947 - November 6, 2020
On November 6, 2020, our hero, Joseph Carr, 73, of Jonesboro, passed away after one final courageous battle. Joe was born on May 31, 1947, in Secaucus, New Jersey, the oldest of four children to Walter, a veteran of World War II, and Eileen Carr. The children were raised in a loving Roman Catholic home and moved to Woodbridge, New Jersey, in 1960. He graduated from Woodbridge Senior High School in 1965.
At age 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps and he began a career that lasted 28 years, retiring on Okinawa, Japan in 1993, as a Master Gunnery Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank. During his career he served 17 months in Vietnam, deployed to KoTang Island, Cambodia to rescue a pirated U.S. ship and served over 3 years at Parris Island, South Carolina as a Marine Drill Instructor where he was promoted meritoriously to Staff Sergeant. In 1977, he was a NROTC Instructor at MIT. During his career he served in various parts of South East Asia and Europe, in Joint Service assignments. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Korea Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (9 awards), Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal and various unit awards.
Joe earned a Business Degree from Northwood University in 1990. He returned to the U.S. and made a home in Jonesboro in 1994, where he is a member of St. Bernard's church. He worked for J.C. Penney and in construction, learning the technical side of Real Estate. In early 2000, he became a member of Crye-Leike Realtors, working his way up to Executive Broker. He served for seven years on the Jonesboro Board of Realtors, now the North East Arkansas Board of Realtor's Executive Board, twice as Treasurer, twice as Vice President, twice as President and as Ex-officio as well as two terms on the MLS Committee. He also established the Joe Carr Excellence in Education Scholarship Program, which annually recognizes college bound students.
Joe is survived by his wife of 35 years, Nida Carr; his three children, Donna Carr (spouse Tim Williams) of McKinney TX, Shanie Carr from Jonesboro, and his son, MSGT Patrick Carr (spouse Nina Carr) currently stationed at Kadena AFB on Okinawa, Japan. He also has three grandchildren, Taylor, Christopher and Corinne; and two great granddaughters, Ayva Lee and Dallas.
Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery in Birdeye, Arkansas.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
Per CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing are recommended.
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21 Condolence(s)
Eric Taylor USMC (Ret)
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
I remember Joe Carr on Okinawa as the professional moderator on FEN news and features. Semper Fi and my sincere condolences to the Carr family.
David Thompson
Saturday, November 14, 2020
My wonderful friend, I am sad that I was out of town this last week when I heard of your departure. I will miss you and your words of wisdom. You have always been one of the most encouraging friends that I have ever known. It has been my honor to have known you, for the past 25 years. Thank you for your years of service to our country and for being a great patriot. The world will miss you but heaven has gained a great man of honor! RIP my friend.
MSgt Calvin (Skip) Lucado
Thursday, November 12, 2020
To the Carr family, prayers and good tidings to your family on the passing of MGySgt Joe Carr. I met Joe in New Orleans at 4th MarDiv when he was the PAO Chief, and then played ball for him over the next three years. He was a man of honesty, integrity and loyalty, those traits were what he passed onto us young Marines when he coached us on the ball field, he continually taught and mentored us not just on softball but life, I can't express in words how much he looked out for me, and always encouraged me to work harder. He was a leader and a father figure to us all. We worked hard and played hard, and won three Base Championships while there, and because of Joe we were all better Marines. I talked him quite a bit as a voice of wise counsel, I continued to coach and play, he always passed on positive points to me to keep pushing forward no matter what the issue. Semper Fidelis Joe, we will never forget you Brother.
Charles W. "Bill" Henderson, Chief Warrant Officer, USMC Retired
Thursday, November 12, 2020
To all of Joe's family: I sincerely loved your dad. I cannot remember a time in the Marine Corps when I did not know Joe Carr. He was a dear brother Marine, and I would have taken a bullet for him. I know he would have taken one for me too. We traveled the world, serving together at posts and stations and deployments in Europe and Asia and all across America. It was always a joy to me serving alongside Joe. He kept things popping and kept me always thoroughly entertained. I know that our Lord has Joe already getting things done with His Marines upstairs. I very much look forward to serving with Joe once again, when my deployment to Heaven comes around. God bless all of your family, and know that many Marines that you never met love Joe like the dear brother that he is to us all. Semper Fi and God bless.
Shanie Lee Carr
Thursday, November 12, 2020
I miss you dad. You always said you didn’t want any crying at your funeral, that your life was great and you wanted to bring joy and happiness to us and everyone you met along the way- Not sadness and despair. Well we all failed today as we said our final goodbyes but our tears and sorrow will always be from missing your presence which will be impossible to go unnoticed. I know you are finally home with grandma, grandpa, Uncle Ricky, cousin Michelle, and of course your beloved pets, especially Maxie. Don’t worry dad, your work here is done- we got this. See you in heaven. ♥ï¸
Craig McDaniel
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Miss you Joe!
Lillian Rametta-Toro
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
I grew up watching Mr. Carr on FEN Network giving us our daily news. Grew up with and attended school his daughters. My deepest condolences from my family. â¤
Jayme Fenton
Monday, November 9, 2020
My family and I were so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Gloria Slusser
Monday, November 9, 2020
I loved Joe he was a pleasure to work with always helpful.
Loved his country and his Crye-Leike family. Rest In Peace Joe.
Gloria Slusser.
Debbie Pignone
Monday, November 9, 2020
So sorry for your loss, we remember Joe fondly. We will keep you all in our prayersðŸ™ðŸ™âœï¸
Tom Adams
Monday, November 9, 2020
God Bless You, Joe, my friend.
Wendy Colby
Monday, November 9, 2020
My heart is broken with the news of Joe's passing. He was the most influential Marine of my career, and I will be forever grateful to him for so much.
I hope Nida and the kids will find comfort in their memories while their hearts heal.
Gary L. Gunderson, Senior Chief, USN Retired
Monday, November 9, 2020
My very sincerest condolences to the Carr family. Joe and I served together at the Far East Network Okinawa. It was a pleasure to work with Joe and an honor to call him friend. Fair winds and following seas, Joe.
Sheri Cathcart
Monday, November 9, 2020
My deepest sympathy and condolences for the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your service Mr. Carr. Rest In Peace. Love you Lee. ðŸ™ðŸ™
The Cathcart’s
Dale Dye
Monday, November 9, 2020
Joe was among the finest men I ever served with and I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. We are all a little poorer now that one of the great ones is gone. My very best wishes and sincere condolences to the Carr family. Semper Fidelis - Capt. Dale Dye USMC (Ret)
Lisa Carr
Monday, November 9, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family of Joe Carr. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Zaida Cortijo
Monday, November 9, 2020
May he rest in peace and thanks for your service.
Mark & kKathy Cumber
Monday, November 9, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Sending prayers to your families at this difficult time. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by all.
Dana Williams
Monday, November 9, 2020
All of you are in my prayers. Wish we could be there for you! I love you. Rest In Peace Uncle Joe. Semper Fi 🇺🇸
Glen Carr & Lisa Carr
Monday, November 9, 2020
My hero, my brother, my pride. He will forever be in my heart.
Rodney Dunlap
Monday, November 9, 2020
Great patriotic man that loved his country, family and friends. Rest in heavenly piece my friend. Prayers for the family and God bless you through this difficult timeðŸ™