Betty Lea Carr, 85, died Sunday, November 23, 2014, and Vernon Ray Carr, 87, died Tuesday, January 12, 2016.  Both passed away in Gadsden, Alabama, where they resided since 1982.

Betty and Vernon were married in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on December 2, 1950.  They are survived by their daughter, Nancy Jean Carr Wedgworth; their daughter Cathy Ann Price (Damon); two grandchildren, Wendi Ann Wedgworth Hardage and Betsy Ann Price; and one great-grandchild, Lillian Lee Hardage.  Vernon is survived by his brother, Bill Carr of Buckhannon, and sister, Mary Lou Carr Bollinger of Gassaway.  Betty is survived by her sister, Shirley Harris Goranson of Grove City, Ohio.

Betty Lea Harris Carr was born January 6, 1929, in Sutton, West Virginia.  She was the daughter of the late Frank Harris and Nella Frances Nutt Harris.  At the age of 9, after the death of her mother, Betty helped her father with the care and rearing of her three younger siblings.  Even with this added responsibility she never missed a day of school, graduating high school.  Betty worked as an operator at the phone company in Sutton and also in Akron, Ohio.

Vernon Ray Carr was born April 3, 1928, in Gassaway, West Virginia.  He was the son of the late Silas Carr and Leta Viola Stewart Carr.  Vernon enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two tours in Korea, earning several medals.  He was honorably discharged in 1951 with wounds to both legs and one arm, shrapnel in his lower spine, and hearing loss in his right ear.  After returning from Korea, he began his career with the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, starting out building tires.  He took every opportunity to learn and grow with the company, spending many years in Goodyear Research and earning several patents through his research and contributions.  The company transferred him to Tennessee in 1968 and later to Alabama in 1982.  Vernon retired from Goodyear after 37 years.

Betty and Vernon’s life together exemplified good Christian values and a strong work ethic.  They shared a great love of family and friends, never met a stranger, or failed to help those in need.  Giving their time by volunteering to help others was an import of part of their lives.  Betty delivered meals to the elderly and infirm weekly for 18 years, helped the American Red Cross and local hospitals with many community projects, and was active with the local Greeters’ Club welcoming newcomers to their town.  For many years Vernon transported veterans one day a week to the Veterans’ Hospital in Birmingham, he was a regular blood donor giving more than 18 gallons over the years, and he was a regular volunteer at the Gadsden Humane Society doing building maintenance to help keep the animals safe and comfortable.  Betty and Vernon also shared a great passion for all of the animals on earth.  They worked tirelessly for the betterment of all dogs and cats and strived to teach others about the responsibility we have to love and care for our pets.

We want to celebrate the many wonderful years of love and devotion Vernon and Betty had together.  They are together again and their love will continue through eternity.  They will truly be missed by all their family, friends, and everyone who knew them.

Graveside memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway with the Rev. Larry Coffman officiating.

Condolences may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.