George Carlton "Carl" Edmonds

Published in The News & Observer on 2/20/2009

George Carlton "Carl" Edmonds, 99, passed away on Thursday after having lived a long and full life.

The family wishes to acknowledge with grateful appreciation the devoted care that his son Terry and wife Vera have provided through the years which honored Carl's wishes to remain at home until the recent past weeks of declining health at Mayview Convalescent Center in Raleigh.

Carl Edmonds was born in Raleigh County, WV, on August 26, 1909 and grew up in Princeton, WV. He was the second of five children of George Delbert Edmonds and Elva Toney Edmonds, and is survived by his youngest sister, Evelyne Wood, of Largo, FL. He graduated from Marshall University where he was a KA and an all conference baseball player. He played professional baseball for the Toledo Mud Hens of the American Association.
After Pearl Harbor, Carl volunteered for service and was commissioned an officer in the United States Navy. He served his country in the Pacific Theater.

After World War II, he was a founder of LeJohn Manufacturing Company in Huntington, WV. Moving to North Carolina in the early sixties, he became a manufacturer's representative in the construction industry.

Carl was instrumental in the creation of the North Carolina Alcoholism Research Authority and was appointed its first chairman by Governor Holshouser. He also was appointed to the National Advisory Council of Alcoholism by President Nixon.

He was a devoted father whose work ethic and personal sacrifice has been an example to his family about perseverance and personal accountability. His example was one that will serve his children and grandchildren well in their lives.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Douglass Terry Edmonds and Vera Kill Edmonds; his daughter and son-in-law, Amanda Edmonds Douglass and Clyde A. Douglass III; and by grandchildren, Ashley Edmonds Hayes and husband, Burt Hayes, Travis Edmonds and fiancee Nikki Jarman, Adam Edmonds, Elizabeth Edmonds, Kate Douglass and Betsy Douglass.

A private ceremony for the family will be held at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.
Visitation by friends of the Douglass family will be at the home of Clyde and Amanda Douglass Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
A celebration of his life is planned on his birthday in August.

The family also expresses their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of Mayview Convalescent Center for their unfailing kindnesses in providing care with respect, affection and dignity during his remaining days and also for the wonderful support provided by Hospice of Wake County.

The family would also like to thank Mrs. Bette Kovic for helping them provide care in the home.

Memorials may be made to the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, USS Slater, DE-766, P.O. Box 1926, Albany, N.Y. 12201-1926 in the name of Lt. Commander George Carlton Edmonds, USS Riddle, DE- 185.