Sgt. Major William Marvice Carr
William Marvice Carr was born in Whiteville, Tenn. in Haywood County on July 26, 1936, the third child of the late Sammie D. and Valentine (Williams) Carr. He was affectionately called Marvice by the family.
Mr. Carr was a devoted husband, a caring father, a proud grandfather, a great son, a wonderful big brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend who lived fully through his family, travels, excellent cuisine, work, as well as a joyful spirit. His first job was as a paperboy for the Commercial Appeal newspaper.
He began his formal education in 1942 at Stigall High School, matriculating in the same building from grade one through 12, graduating in the class of 1955, serving as vice president. He chose to provide hydration to the football team instead of participating in the sport. As the waterboy, he was able to travel with the team anyway. From this position, he caught the eye of a beautiful girl on the basketball team named Teresia.
Marvice married Teresia Jones on December 29, 1959, officiated by Rev. W. A. Owens. One daughter, Loretta, has always been the center of their lives. He was very supportive of her educational endeavors.
His spare time was spent fishing, tinkering with things, taking unsolicited photos, serving as a navigator to many who traveled and teasing his family as well as church members. Mr. Carr also enjoyed stockpiling Christmas gifts for his family so that each would have many, many surprises.
For several weekends during high school and five years afterwards, Mr. Carr worked at the Humboldt Golf and Country Club where he was fondly called Bill. The clientele there remembered him as an employee who went over and above his required responsibilities.
His early religious training was at Morning Star Baptist Church. He attended Sunday school, as well as Baptist Training Union, regularly and was a member of the Trail Explorers. He was a faithful servant even while he transferred from one duty station to the next. In Clarksville, he attended Community Chapel Worship Service.
Sgt. Major Carr was an active-duty soldier from January 9, 1960, retiring as a reservist on April 10, 1990. He was honored for his outstanding achievement and meritorious service. During this time, he performed his duties and responsibilities in a manner that placed him among the best non-commissioned officers of the United States Army.
Mr. Carr served with the Army’s 307 Medical Group as chief medical non-commissioned officer. An example of his valor was on August 27, 1967, as a medical specialist advisor to the Dien Ban District Sub-Sector in Vietnam during an enemy mortar attack, Sgt. Carr courageously disregarded the enemy fire and went from position to position to treat the wounded men. They then flew by helicopter back to the hospital so those injured that could be saved. He also served as an advisor to the Vietnamese (through an interpreter). Yet he found time to write letters to his wife, mother and sister.
Mr. Carr’s dedication, expertise, sound judgement and leadership abilities earned him the respect as well as admiration of all enlisted men/officers with whom he served. He seized every opportunity to enhance the mission capabilities of those units to which he was assigned. His duty stations included: Ft. Sill, Okla., Ft. Sam Houston, Tex., Ft. Wolters, Tex., Vietnam, Ft. Riley, Kans., Vietnam, Ft. Hood, Tex., Germany, Ft. Bliss, Tex., Ft. Campbell, Ky., Ft. Knox, Ky. and Columbus, Ohio. His military awards and decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Medals, five Army Commendation Medals (two with Valor, three Army Achievement Medals, eight Army Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, four NCO Professional Development Ribbons, an Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Combat Medical Badge. He also received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Award and recognition during three Vietnam Campaigns. His candor, initiative and voluntarism and abilities made him an outstanding example of a Non-commissioned officer, bringing great credit upon himself, the many units he served as well as the United States Army.
Mr. Carr leaves to mourn and cherish a lifetime of precious memories his loving as well as devoted “Honey Bun,” Teresia Bernetta Jones Carr; daughter, Loretta Yvonne (Curtis) Farmer of Memphis, Tenn.; granddaughter, Stephanie Latrese Farmer of Memphis; two brothers, Lenford (Ella) Carr of Humboldt, Tenn., Nana Kweku (Dr. Monifa Love) of Glenarden, Md.; one sister, Bunice C. Robinson of Fairburn, Ga.; 10 nieces, three nephews and many cousins; his special family, Michael and Shona Dennis that includes Camden and godchildren Victoria and Choice, as well as his special adopted brother, Rogers Dickey, who will miss him dearly.
Mr. Carr’s Clarksville church has stood in the gap with special acknowledgement of sisters Elsie Henderson, Evelyn Mcthurin and Kathy Lumpkin as well as a host of other faithful church members. The family will be forever grateful to the staff at the Wendell H. Gilbert Tennessee State Veteran’s Home, and shall never forget his smiles and hugs. Using his quote, “A hug is the one thing you always get back when you give one,” – Dale Hilding.
