Joseph Carson, Jr

Mr. Joseph Ellis Carson, Jr., affectionately known as “Mr. Joe”, age 82, of Walterboro, entered into rest while surrounded by his family at home Wednesday morning, December 11, 2013, while under the care of Agape Hospice. He was the husband of the late Mrs. Jennie Colson Carson who died in 1998.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 o’clock Saturday morning, December 14, 2013, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro. Interment with masonic rites conferred by Unity Masonic Lodge, No. 55, will follow in Glendale Memorial Cemetery, 2210 Mount Carmel Road, Walterboro.

Born September 17, 1931, a native of Colleton County, he was a son of the late Joseph Ellis Carson, Sr. and the late Mary Utsey Carson; having been reared in his family’s church, Bethel Baptist Church. He was the founder of Anchor Welding Supplies in Walterboro, and was also a dedicated Colleton County farmer and cattleman. Joe was known as a constant builder of things, being a “professional designer and fabricator” and his own cooperation president, he was constantly involved in many projects and always up to doing something.

Mr. Joe, was involved in many civic organizations. For many years he was faithful in his duties and membership to Empire Lodge, No. 213 – Ancient Free Masons in Mauldin where he served the lodge as Master in 1966. After moving back to Colleton County, he moved his membership to Unity Masonic Lodge No. 55 – Ancient Free Masons in Walterboro. He was a Second Degree Scottish Rite, having held memberships in both the Omar Shrine and HeJaz Shrine Temples, and was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 1988 in Walterboro, and was also formerly active in the Walterboro Lions Club and the Loyal Order of Moose.

Surviving are: three daughters, Donna Carson Varnadoe and her husband Wayne of Walterboro, Cheryl Carson Padgett and her husband William C. of Austin, Texas, and Bonnie Carson Crosby and her husband Miles of Walterboro; a son, J. E. Carson, III; and four sisters, Ruth Carson Craven, Adeline Carson Craven, Dell Carson McCraw, and Betty Carson Ginn all of Walterboro. There are twelve grandchildren, Jody and Travis Bayne, Brian and Kevin Varnadoe, Jessica and Austin Padgett, Carla Turner, Joel, Jake, and Coleman Carson, Jennifer Adams, and Steven Crosby; eight great grandchildren; and his best friend, Mrs. Mary Grace Robertson of Walterboro; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Carson Bayne in 1998.

The family wishes to express the heartfelt appreciation for the staff of Agape Hospice and nurse, Noelle Berry and aid, Kayla Hiers for the love and dedication they not only gave to Mr. Joe but also the entire Carson family during his final months.

Flowers will be accepted, or for those that so desire, the family has suggested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to the following: Agape Hospice, 658 Bells Highway, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488; or to the charity of one’s choice.

For those that wish, memorial messages and thoughts of condolence as well as memories of Mr. Carson may be sent to the family at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

Family and friends are invited to call from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock this Friday evening at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408.

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