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Carr Was Known For His Integrity, Patriotism

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: March 18, 2009

PLANT CITY - Relatives and friends gathered last week to pay final tribute to a man they said served his family, his community and his country.

John D. Carr Jr., 85, who opened Plant City's first used import car dealership, died Feb. 27 at his Walden Lake home.

Carr was born in Bradenton and moved with his family to Plant City in 1936. He graduated from Plant City High School in 1942 and was an Army veteran, serving during World War II.

"My father was most of all a patriot," said his son John L. Carr. "Dad served in the Army during and after World War II, and was dedicated to his country. When we were growing up, every year we would travel to whatever state was hosting his Army division's annual reunion. Dad was a member of the American Legion."

Carr served four times as commander of the American Legion Norman McLeod Post No. 26 in the 1960s and again in the 1970s.

"After returning from the war in Europe, Dad worked in car sales," Carr said. "During the '50s and '60s he always provided my mother with a car so she could bring polio victims and other crippled children to the hospitals that provided treatment."

Many people remember Carr as an honest and reliable man.

"My father knew John Carr Jr. back in the '40s and '50s," lawyer Steve Sparkman said. "He was known for his honesty and for integrity. Beyond that, my impression of Mr. Carr was that he epitomized the ideal of Tom Brokaw's 'Greatest Generation.' He never swayed in his loyalty to America or to the men and women who served in the armed forces."

Under Carr's leadership, the American Legion sponsored local students, including Sparkman, in the Boys State leadership program.

Lawyer James Buzbee knew Carr through his car dealership on South Collins Street. Carr owned a used car dealership specializing in imports until he retired in 1991.

"Mr. Carr was a dependable dealer who you knew would give you a fair deal and stand behind the product," Buzbee said. "People came from all over to deal with Mr. Carr. His good reputation was well known."
Buzbee said Carr was a member of the famed 42nd Rainbow Division that fought its way across France and Germany, reaching Munich on April 30, 1945, just before the war in Europe ended. Along the way, they stopped to accept the surrender of the Dachau concentration camp, the event that earned lasting fame for the Rainbow Division.

The Rev. Wayne Roberts, pastor at Northside Baptist Church, said Carr attended the church faithfully for 25 years before his baptism some five years ago.

"John was a faithful follower of Christ," Roberts said during a March 7 funeral service. "For many years he attended, without joining the church. Then one day a granddaughter opened his heart to God. We know that John is now with Jesus in heaven."

Carr was a University of Florida fan who drove a truck with Gators colors. "The Gator truck we saw for so long will no longer have John in it. But he will live forever in our hearts," Roberts said.

Northside music minister Bobby Lane sang "Let It Be, Dear Lord," "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace" during the service.

Carr was a member and officer of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce; past president of the Civitan and Jaycees; was a first lieutenant in the Plant City Highway Patrol Auxiliary; and member of the Auto Dealers Association.

Carr is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margo, sons John L., Sam and Thomas; daughter Nancy Cunigan (Brock), seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451.

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