Walton Whitelaw Carson

Gastonia, NC Walton Whitelaw Carson, Sr., 88 years old, went home to be with the Lord on August 1, 2013. A native of Gastonia, Whitelaw was the son of the late Thomas Edgar Carson and Mary Myrtle Carson. Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Dorothy Riddle Carson, sons, Walton W. Carson, Jr. of Sewell, N.J. and David Glenn Carson of Gastonia; daughters, Patricia Carson McClain of Tampa, Florida, and Gail Carson Minium of Gastonia; granddaughters, Heather McClain- Howell, Amanda Leigh Smith, Erin Carson Holland, Amy Elizabeth Minium; grandsons, Joshua Walton Carson, T. David Carson, and Paul Glenn Carson; and great granddaughter, Annaliese Holland; sister in-law, Helen Carson, widow of Thomas Edgar Carson, Jr., and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas Edgar Carson, Jr., and John McVoy Carson, and his granddaughter Mary Virginia Minium. He retired as 1st Sgt. from the United States Marine Corps after 28 years of dedicated service defending the country that he loved so much. He served during the Korean War, and he fought in WWII and twice in Vietnam, where he received the Purple Heart. He then spent 11 years working for the United States Postal Service. Whitelaw was a loving husband, father, and friend, and he loved God. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor. The family thanks the staff of 3 South at Gaston Memorial Hosital and the staff at Gaston Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First ARP Church of Gastonia, where Mr. Carson was a longtime member, or to Gaston Hospice. A service to celebrate the life of Whitelaw will be held 2 pm Wednesday at the First ARP Church with the Rev. Matthew Kuiken and Rev. Mark Tankersley officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. A guest registry is availabe at www.greenefuneral.com. The South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium is serving the family.