Jesse C. Carson Jr.

Jesse C. Carson, Jr.,
CHINA GROVE -- Mr. Carson, 93, died Friday, November 21, 2003 in The Pines at Davidson, his home during the past 15 years. Jesse Carson was born August 2, 1910 in Germanton, Stokes County, NC. His parents were J.C. Carson and Irene Jackson Carson. He was educated in the Germanton Public Schools, graduated from Guilford College in 1932 with an A.B. Degree and received a M.A. in School Administration from The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1950.
He taught and coached basketball at King High School, 1932-1938. He served as Principal of The Germanton Union School, 1938-1942, was Principal of Mt. Ulla School 1946-1947, and then became District Principal of China Grove Schools 1947-1961. He was Assistant Superintendent of Rowan County Schools 1961-1965 and Superintendent of Rowan County Schools 1965-1971.
He volunteered for military service through the Volunteer Officer Candidate Program in June 1942 and received a commission as a Second Lieut. in the Quartermaster Corps after completing Officer Candidate School at Ft. Lee, Virginia in December 1942. The major part of his service was with the 87th Infantry Division which was assigned to Third Army under General George Patton. He was awarded the European Theater of Operations Medal with three Battle Stars and the Bronze Star. His unit was awarded the Unit-Meritorious Service Award. He also received the German Occupation Medal the American Theater of Operation Medal, and the Victory Medal.
A remark during the war by one of the men of the Company that meant much to him during the years: 'You can say this for Capt. Carson, he won't cuss you or ever tell you to do something... that he can't do or won't do himself.'
In his school work, two of his most cherished recognitions were plaques presented to him by China Grove High School Classes of 1950 and 1961 in appreciation for his influence, understanding, and concern for the success of his students.
In 1969 The Salisbury Chapter of The National Conference of Christians and Jews presented The Distinguished Merit Citation to him. Jesse was a member of the Rotary Club of China Grove for forty years and a past president of the Club. He and his wife were Paul Harris Fellows as gifts from each other. He and his wife served as President and Secretary of the Stokes County and Rowan County Units of the North Carolina Education Association, and Jesse was a past president of the Rowan-Salisbury Retired School Personnel.
He was a member of the First Untied Methodist Church in China Grove for 56 years. He taught the Margaret Weldon Sunday School Class for 39 years, served as Chairman of the Official Board, The Board of Trustees, Lay Leader and a Lay Speaker. He was Chairman of the Building Committee during the building of the new sanctuary. He was a member of the American Legion, the V.F.W. and a charter member of the Historical Society of South Rowan.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Virginia 'Jeinks' Murchison Carson of Gulf, Chatham County, NC. Their married life was distinguished by a spirit of team work as they built their home and profession. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Eleanor Carson Huff and Dorothy Carson Hicks. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Rev. Ronald DeWitt Hicks of Kingsport, TN and seven nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his good friends and caregivers: Barbara and Charles Doby and Nick Burnett. The family extends a very special thanks to the staff of The Pines at Davidson and Dr. Michelle Ong for their many acts of kindness and loving medical care of Jesse over the past six years.
Visitation will be 10-11 on Tuesday at First United Methodist Church. Service will be at 11:00 on Tuesday at First United Methodist Church. Rev. Vance Lowe and Rev. Jimmy Faggart will officiate. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 110 W. Church St., China Grove, NC 28023 or to Germanton United Methodist Church PO Box 68 Germanton, NC 27019.
The Carson Family is being served by Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove.