Lawrence Virgil Carlton

Lawrence Virgil Carlton, better known as Larry, was a beacon of kindness and intelligence in the lives of all who knew him. He was born on December 28, 1935, in Hartford, Connecticut, and passed away on October 10, 2024, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Larry's warm smile and generous spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community. Larry's formative years were spent in Tampa, Florida, where he graduated from Hillsborough High School and married his sweetheart, Joann Wilson Carlton. His commitment to service and protection of others was evident early on when he joined the US Army, serving as a Military Police officer. After his honorable discharge, Larry began a career with Schlitz brewery in Tampa. His dedication and hard work led to a transfer to Longview, Texas in 1968, where he continued his career with Schlitz and later with Stroh Brewery as a supervisor in brewing. Larry was respected by his colleagues for his leadership skills and was recognized for his ability to manage and supervise with both authority and compassion. While in Tampa, he served as president of the Teamsters union for the city of Tampa, advocating for workers' rights and fair labor practices.

Larry's life was defined not only by his work and community service but also by the love he shared with his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Joann, a loving father to his daughter, Jolinda Carlton, and his son, Larry Carlton. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he instilled in them the values of love, kindness, and intelligence that he embodied so well. Larry was a source of unwavering support and joy within his family. Larry devoted much of his time to his church, Holy Trinity as an adult school teacher for over 30 years and as the church liturgist.

Larry's grandson, Jared Scott Sobey, preceded him in death. To describe Larry as loving, kind, and intelligent only scratches the surface of the man he was. His counsel was sought after, and his presence was a comfort to many. Larry's legacy is not just in the work he accomplished or the positions he held but in the countless lives he touched with his generous spirit and his genuine concern for others.

As we mourn the loss of Lawrence Virgil Carlton, we also celebrate the remarkable life he led. We take solace in knowing that his was a life well-lived, full of passion, dedication, and an abundance of love. Larry's memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. In honor of Larry's life and the love he shared with us all, we bid him a heartfelt farewell, knowing that his journey was one of purpose and profound impact. Rest in peace, your legacy will endure. A memorial service will follow at a later date.

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