Photo courtesy of Whitson Funeral Home - Cookeville Chapel
Cookeville, Tennessee
Aug 22, 1929 – Jan 24, 2019
Funeral services for Gertis D. “Coach Bird” Carr, Jr. age 89 of Cookeville, Tennessee will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 2:00PM from the Chapel of Whitson Funeral Home with Bro. Harold Walker, Bro. Mickey Bilyeu, and Bro. Scott McKinney officiating. Burial will follow at Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Friday 5:00-7:00PM and Saturday 12Noon till time of the service at 2:00PM.
Mr. Carrr passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at his residence. Gertis D. “Coach Bird” Carr Jr. was born on August 22, 1929 in Putnam County, TN to the late Gertis D. Carr, Sr. and Una Clara Grimes Carr. He was retired from the P.C. School System after 38 years of service as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He graduated from Cookeville High School where he played football under Coach Eddie Watson then stayed and assisted Coach Watson until he graduated from TTU in 1954 with the exception of time in the U.S. Air Force.
He taught and assisted coaching at Dickson High School, then Monterey, and to Cookeville High School to assist in coaching football, basketball, and golf. He then became Assistant Principal until retirement in 1992.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a Son: James Steven Carr
He is survived by Wife: Jo Ruth Carr
Daughter & Son-In-Law: Don and Debby Prince
2 Grandchildren: Eli Prince and Julia Carr Byrd
1 Great Granddaughter: Mary Grace Byrd
WHITSON FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENNTS
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Read MoreI would like very much to have met him. I just saw the obit. So sorry for your Family's loss. Rest in Peace Gertis Peggy Dilldine Gunter, granddaughter of Vallie L Carr Martin.
Peggy Gunter
October 11, 2019 | Mountain Brook, AL
I had Coach Carr as a biology teacher. He was great--just the right amount of good will and strictness. I am sad for his family but glad he is home now.
Denise Judd Brandon
February 02, 2019 | Knoxville, TN | Student
My deepest sympathy to Coach Carr's family. I have so many good memories of him, our team and the many times we spent practicing, playing and having fun playing in golf matches and tournaments as part of the Cookeville Cavalier Golf Team 1969-72. RIP Coach.
Bill Ray
January 27, 2019 | Nashville, TN | Friend
Jo Ruth, I was so saddened to hear of Gertis passing away. You two were always a delight when you attended our MHS class of 1964 reunions. We will miss him. I think of you often, Jo and all the good times we had at FCE. My prayers for you and your family. Drucilla Ray
Drucilla Ray
January 26, 2019 | Monterey, TN | Friend
There was never a time while Coach Carr was my assistant principal that I didn't see a smile. It was a joy to know that he not only was my assistant principal, but also my mom's physical ed teacher. How awesome to have a legacy to cross generations. Rest high on that mountain, Coach Carr!
Cheryl Allen
January 26, 2019 | Cookeville, TN | Teacher
I played football and basketball for him in 1957-58 at MHS. RIP Coach Carr. Many good memories.
Jim Green
January 26, 2019 | Murfreesboro, TN | Teacher
Coach Carr was a man of great character, insight, and humor. He was one of my models while in his biology class and my football coach at CHS, 1960-1963. He always seemed able to maintain his authority while mixing and mingling and cutting up with us kids. You are missed by many, Coach Carr, as you are missed by me. I wish I could be at his memorial service to help pay the respect he so richly deserves. RIP, Coach Carr
Carlen Maddux
January 26, 2019 | St. Petersburg, FL | Student
He always made me laugh....he was a good and fair man. Praying for his family and friends.
Lisa Profant Sayle
January 26, 2019 | Class Of 1983, TN | Student
So sorry for your lost. R.I.P. Coach Carr.
Martha Spivey
January 25, 2019 | Cookeville, TN | Student