Henry James Carr Jr.

Dr. Henry James Carr, Jr., 95, joined his Lord and Savior peacefully from his home on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1929, to the late Meda Iola Spell and the late Henry James Carr from Roseboro. Preceding him in death was his brother, Harold Spell Carr.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Barbara Ruddle Carr, of the home; four sons, Henry James Carr, III (Becky) of Clinton, William Curtis Carr (Nancy) of Clinton, David Ruddle Carr (Kathy) of Winston-Salem, Robert Spell Carr (Wendy) of Clinton; one daughter, Meda Carr Piner (Andy) of Greenville; his sister, Ava Marie Carr Lavery (Bill) from Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren with another one on the way, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Henry received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 1954 following his studies at Elon College and Wake Forest University. He met the love of his life while training at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. After serving in the United States Air Force as a physician and surgeon in Hahn, Germany, he and Barbara returned to his native North Carolina in 1961 to join a small internal medicine practice in Sampson County. In 1988, he accepted a position with N.C. State Health Department, treating tuberculosis patients in health departments and prisons throughout N.C. During his career, Henry served his profession with honor and enthusiasm as president of the Sampson County Medical Society, president of the NC College of Internal Medicine and finally as president of the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) from 1987-1988. He served on numerous NCMS committees, including the executive committee for approximately 20 years, and served on the NCMS Executive Council as chair of the North Carolina delegation to the American Medical Association. Henry served for six years as president of the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation, the philanthropic and service arm of the NCMS, helping to recruit physicians to rural and medically under-served communities in North Carolina and improving access to health care for the uninsured. In addition, he was a founder and former chairman of the board and president of the Medical Mutual Insurance Company, which serves the professional liability insurance needs of N.C. physicians. Henry was a founding director and former vice president of Carolina Doctors Care, a statewide preferred provider organization created by the NCMS for its members, and former director and secretary of its subsidiary, Health Care Savings. Henry was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Duke Medical Alumni Association and, later, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Some of Henry and Barbara's happiest times were made in Sebring, Flo. and Topsail Beach, with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank his loyal caretakers including Connie, Alma, Marguerite, Kay, Pearl, Carolyn, Shnetta, Ann, Jenny, Shannon, Jalissa, Val, Constance, and Helen and the team from 3HC for their diligent and compassionate care.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 2, at 1 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Clinton, with Rev. Matt Seals officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. A private burial with military honors will follow in the Clinton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dr. Carr's memory to First Methodist Church of Clinton, and Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel of Topsail Beach.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Carr family.