Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Carnes Obituary
Born in Petersburg, Va., William moved to Charlotte, N.C., with his mother and stepfather in 1982. He was creative and artistic, possessed a wonderful sense of humor, and loved camping, gardening, and all outdoors.
He is survived by his son, Jacob Elias Carnes; daughter, Ana Staff; and his longtime sweetheart, Laura Staff, all of Charlotte; his mother, Barbara Ritchie Scruggs of Charlotte; father, Bill Carnes of Richmond, Va.; and brothers, Steven L. Hughes of Charlotte and Russell E. Hughes of Hopewell, Va.; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A service to celebrate William's life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, in the chapel of Forest Lawn West Funeral Home. His family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service.
William was a loving, kind spirit and a friend to all. He was a loving and supportive father, son and brother, who demonstrated compassion to those in need and has touched many lives in his short life. He will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Citizens Bank, William Carnes Memorial for Jacob Carnes, 5541 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28212.
Condolences may be offered at www.forestlawnwest.com. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208, 704-395-0055.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Carnes
Meg & Kevin Standridge
February 6, 2011
My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Will when he helped us out with some home improvement projects a few years back. He came as a stranger and left as a friend. We are shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends as you mourn the loss of such a great guy.
Ray Miesbauer
January 15, 2011
I Feel Like he was never ours to begin with, on loan from God. God's Will,,,
Pam Davis
January 13, 2011
To Barbara, Jacob and Family,
William was such a sweet and helpful neighbor to me, a precious soul indeed. He had a heart of gold, and I know by our conversations he is in heaven right now with Jesus. I know your loss is great. I will miss seeing him in the neighborhood, working on the garden or waving as he drove up the street. A very huge loss for us all, but heaven's gain to be sure. He had the sweetest spirit. Jacob, always remember how beloved your father was.
Blessings,
Tanya Hammar
January 11, 2011
Will was a Wonderful, Intelligent, and Kind Man. He was a Great Father to Ana and Jacob. He will be Missed and Never Forgotten. My HEART goes out to all the Families and Friends who have lost such a Wonderful person to be around.
William, Jacob & Ana - Christmas 2010
January 10, 2011
January 9, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all very dearly. Love the Blackwells, Melissa, Lilly and Ada girl scout troop.
Angela Price
January 9, 2011
It's hard for me to realize that the next time I come to Charlotte to see Ray, that Will won't be there. Salt has been a part of our lives since he was around 12 years old. I've never met a gentler, kinder, caring person in my life. His serenity was contageous. I am convinced he is in a better place. God was good to share him with us for this long.
dawgster
January 9, 2011
william was the brother that people just dream about he was the greatest little brother ever and he will be missed badly
cara six
January 9, 2011
I have known Laura's family for many years and had the pleasure of teaching Ana and Jacob in school. I know first hand how much Will loved and cared for his children as well as how much they loved and adored him. My heart is broken for Laura, Ana, Jacob and the rest of the family. May God give you the peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time.
Love,
Cara Six
Michelle, Mark, Brittany, Caleb & Pepper Bennett
January 9, 2011
Heartfelt sympathy to all the Family and Friends of Will. May God comfort you all as you Love and Miss Him so much. We are deeply sorry for the loss of such a Precious Soul. However this is not "Goodbye", it's "See You Later".
Eddie Speer
January 9, 2011
I've known William's father Bill for quite a few years now and you will not find a better man.I'm sorry for your loss my friend
January 8, 2011
anonymous anonymous
January 8, 2011
He always touched everyone around with his sense of humor and stories. One of the biggest things I loved about him was his caring ways and his love for his son and daughter. He will always be with us in our memories and our hearts. I will never forget you William...never.Love always
Sara Anne Stamos
January 8, 2011
Barbara,
George and I are so blessed to have seen William again recently in VA. He was such a polite gentleman. I read every single entry and believe them all to be true. He was surely loved by many. Please keep in touch.
Catherine Flockton
January 8, 2011
Always ready with a smile and a hug. Willie will always be remembered fondly.
Richard Staff
January 8, 2011
I have known Will for many years, over 20, from when he, Ray and Jay used to drive me and Sandy nuts in Starmount to the present. He evolved from that kid to the kid, then a friend and then to my second son, my grandson's father and my grandaughters daddy. I could tell you many stories about Will over the But I want to write about the Daddy.
There was never a better father then Will. He loved those kids so much you could see it. When they came in the room, If he was mad, he would get glad, If he was sad, he would get happy. The kids would light him up like a Christmas tree. Jacob, Ana and Laura loved him so much it hurts to write this. So do I Will, always have. It will never be the same around here without you. Be peaceful my other son. I will see you again.
Richard Staff
January 8, 2011
I have known Will for many years, over 20, from when he, Ray and Jay used to drive me and Sandy nuts in Starmount to the present. He evolved from that kid to the kid, then a friend and then to my second son, my grandson's father and my grandaughters daddy. I could tell you many stories about Will over the But I want to write about the Daddy.
There was never a better father then Will. He loved those kids so much you could see it. When they came in the room, If he was mad, he would get glad, If he was sad, he would get happy. The kids would light him up like a Christmas tree. Jacob,Ana and Laura loved him so much it hurts to write this. So do I Will, always have. It will never be the same around here without you. Be peaceful my other son. I will see you again.
Marge Rinaldi
January 8, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Richard Staff
January 8, 2011
I have known Will for many years, over 20, from when he, Ray and Jay used to drive me and Sandy nuts in Starmount to the present. He evolved from that kid to the kid, then a friend and then to my second son, my grandson's father and my grandaughters daddy. I could tell you many stories about Will over the But I want to write about the Daddy.
There was never a better father then Will. He loved those kids so much you could see it. When they came in the room, If he was mad, he would get glad, If he was sad, he would get happy. The kids would light him up like a Christmas tree. Jacob,Ana and Laura loved him so much it hurts to write this. So do I Will, always have. It will never be the same around here without you. Be peaceful my other son. I will see you again.
Jackie Widener
January 8, 2011
Today William's free spirit is free forever in heaven. William truly loved his precious son,Jacob, and was devoted to him; and William and Jacob are loved more by William's father, Bill, and William"s entire family. May each of William's family and friends feel comfort in knowing William is at peace with Jesus today.
Wanda Baldwin
January 8, 2011
Laura,Ana,Jacob,Sandy,Richard and family, Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. May the Lord whole you close and wipe every tear away and give you his peace and rest. May you find peace in the scripture and God's promise (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18) We are praying for you, Wanda and Steve
Daniel Proctor
January 8, 2011
My heartfelt condolences goes out to all of those effected on Will's Passing. All though I did not know him for a very long time, about a year. Every meeting with him was pleasant and I enjoyed talking with him every time. Never an unpleasant moment. Great guy. Great Father.
angela wright
January 7, 2011
I love you and always be missed, my prayers go out to all his family.Angela Wright
Wanda Baldwin
January 7, 2011
Laura, Ana, Jacob, Sandy and Richard, We just wanted to let you know we are praying for your family and we pray the Lord will hold you close and wipe every tear from your eyes. May you have peace knowing Will knew the Lord and is with him now. He was a very loving father, cherish your memories.Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Love, Wanda and Steve
Kim, Greg, & Lynsey Blevins
January 7, 2011
So very sorry about the loss of William. Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire family.
Lori Smith
January 7, 2011
I am shocked and saddened by Salt's passing. He was always a kind and thoughtful friend, may God bless & comfort all of you that are left behind wondering why this happened.
Cindy (Cordero) Reynolds
January 7, 2011
Dear Bill, Barbara, Steve & to the rest of the family - I am so sorry to hear about William. I lived right down the street from you in Petersburg and I remember him as a very happy little boy playing outside. May your memories and the memories of all your friends and family provide you comfort during this difficult time.
January 7, 2011
January 7, 2011
July 4th 2009
January 7, 2011
Kevin Hargett
January 7, 2011
You always here people talk about how good people really are. But you my friend were truly a wonderful person and you will be truly missed.
Patricia Ritchie
January 7, 2011
My prayers and thoughts are with you - Jacob, Ana, Steve, Barbara Ann and to the rest of William's family and friends. William will always be remembered for his compassionate heart and gentle smiling face. With a heartfelt wish, may you find comfort in knowing that William will live forever in the presence of God.
Shelley Lowe-Joyner
January 7, 2011
My most heartfelt and deepest sympathies go out to Barbara; Thank you for giving us William, you raised a fine and outstanding young man, the fruits of his kindness and selfless ways, shine evident in all of the many lives he touched. Praying God's peace and sanctuary for you and your family.
Rusty Hughes
January 7, 2011
Patricia Ritchie
January 7, 2011
My prayers and thoughts are with you - Laura, Ana, Jacob, Steve, BarbaraAnn and the rest of the family. William will never be forgotten for his sincere kind heart and gentle smiling face. With a heartfelt wish, may you find comfort in knowing that he lives forever in the presence of God.
January 7, 2011
When someone is so loved they will be sorely missed when they are gone. But he certaintly lives on in our memory and in God's. Please find comfort in the words at Mal 3:16. Though someone may leave the earth, their memory lives on. To the family and friends of William Carnes, remember their will come a time when "he will wipe out every tear from their eyes."
Love you brother!
January 7, 2011
Family Picture
January 7, 2011
William and his son Jacob
January 7, 2011
Ray Miesbauer
January 7, 2011
Many People Loved, and were Loved By Will. The Memorial Service on Sunday will be a Celebration of William's Life. Please Don't Send Flowers, Will Preferred Them Growing Wild. If You Would Like To Leave a Memorium, The best way to do so is to donate to the Trust created for William's Beloved Son Jacob, at First Citizens Bank. "William Carnes Memorial For Jacob Carnes" The Family Takes Great Comfort From the Love and Concern that Everyone Has Shown through this Incredibly Difficult Time. The Lives That William Touched, Are Not Countable, His Dreams and Aspirations for Jacob, Indescribable.
William with two of the MANY children he touched in his lifetime.
January 7, 2011
Beth Nix
January 7, 2011
Ray and I got to know William, Barbara and Steve living over at the appts off of Park Rd. What great memories we have from living there. What a kind, Gentle and Good person William was. Peace and Love to William's Family and close friends.
Ray and Beth NIx
Amanda Young
January 7, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Vanessa Hughes
January 7, 2011
Dear Barbara Ann, words can not convey the shock and disbeleif... I am with you in spirit and prayer. I still see the William I met many years ago and I will always hold this memory of him in my heart. He was a gentle soul and he and will be greatly missed. May you find peace and comfort in your family and friends and May God guide you all in your healing. Love, Vanessa
Blake Strozyk
January 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Staff family during the sudden loss of William. Blake and Amber Strozyk (Fort Mill, SC)
William Duke
January 7, 2011
Can't find the words...You will be sorely missed, my friend.
I love you my brother.You have taken a piece of everyone's heart with you. My deepest condolences to the family.
Joy Bishay
January 7, 2011
Jean and Bill Staff
January 7, 2011
Laura,Ana,Jacob,Sandy,Rick,Jason
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you always hold your memories of him close to your heart.
He was such a handsome man!
January 7, 2011
Family picture
January 7, 2011
William and his beautiful long brown hair!
January 7, 2011
William - Christmas 2010
January 7, 2011
William and his daughter Ana
January 7, 2011
Shannon Lewis
January 6, 2011
WOW... I Am Still In Shock!! He Always Had A Smile On His Face!! Good Bye William You Will Be Greatly Missed And NEVER Forgotten!!
Thomas Hauger
January 6, 2011
I met Will a little over two years ago, and little did I know at the time what a wonderful blessing he would have not just my life, but my entire family's life. The past year Will spent a lot of time at our house doing various projects. During that time Will was not just a contractor or a friend, but he truly became a part of our family. I think our dog Murphy loved him more than he did us because whenever Will walked in we became unimportant to Murphy. Will was a great man and a great father. He was one of the most selfless and kind-hearted people I ever met in my life. The world is a different and darker place without him. Heaven became a lot brighter when Will arrived. I will miss you my friend, and I can't wait to see you again on the other side someday.
Walter Wright
January 6, 2011
Salt, you were a longtime friend and will be missed.
God's Light Will Go On Shining Through Will
January 6, 2011
May Gods Love give you peace and understanding during the lose of Will. What a beautiful loving person. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I Love You So Much! Love Linnie Carnes Ashburn 2107 Lynchburg St. Hopewell, Va 23860. [email protected]
Robert & Tina Littlefield
January 6, 2011
I'm better for knowing Will, the Helping Hands Man. We're praying for peace and comfort for Laura, Jacob, Ana, Richard, Sandy, Jason and all of Will's family.
Love,
Jamie Huffman
January 6, 2011
You always challenged us to be better people on every level at every chance you got. I can think of no better testimony of a man's character or heart. My condolences just dont quite cover it.
Chad Samson
January 6, 2011
I'm going to miss you my friend. It's been years since we got to hang out but I'll hold on to the memories and smiles I do have remembering you brother. Your family shall be in my prayers and we'll see each other again one day, that I know for a fact. God Bless
William and his son Jacob at his cub scouts parade
January 6, 2011
William and his family.....
January 6, 2011
William, his son Jacob and one of the many animals he loved in his lifetime
January 6, 2011
January 6, 2011
William and his daughter Ana
Laura Staff
January 6, 2011
William, his son Jacob & one of the MANY animals he loved!
January 6, 2011
I will miss my brother deeply.Love and Respect to Barbera Ann,Laura,Ana,Jacob,Steve and all the many friends and brothers we have that have stood there with us through thick and thin.All my Love,
Jay
David Nixon
January 6, 2011
Brother Will, one of the most beautiful and gentle souls I ever encountered. One of my fondest memories will always be going into the mountains to bury a long-time furry friend, and finding Will camping there all alone, completely unplanned and unexpected. Hadn't seen each other in a long time. We stayed there and shared our hearts and minds, our pains and tears, in the beauty of that place. I can see him standing by that fire now. The world got a little darker when his light went out. It was a gift from God to know him, and I will see him again, where we will share our joys and laughter. Go with Jesus Will, you're already there. To Laura, Jacob, Ana and Barbara: He loved you all so much, and he lives on in each of you.
January 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Carnes family during the sudden loss of William. Darlene Speer (Marion, VA)
Cindy Earley
January 6, 2011
Will was a very special man and a great father, son, and friend. He was loved and cherished by many. This world is a more special place because of him and we are all blessed for having known him. My heart goes out to Barbara, Steve, Rusty, Laura, Ana, Jacob, Richard, Ray, Jay, everyone he touched.. there are too many to name.. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, I love you all dearly... Heaven sure received one special angel.
Tanya Rosser
January 6, 2011
Ray, Thank you for all you did for William not only on his last day but I feel certain other times. I know his family is very appreciative. The photo is very nice.
January 6, 2011
Sincere sympathy to Laura and each of William's loved ones. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Angela Boarts Manorville, Pa
Shelley Lowe-Joyner
January 6, 2011
I have so many memories with William. He was the most selfless, and compassionate person I have ever known. I am so shocked and feel almost lost that he has left this world, a little piece of me went with him. You will be missed always.
Love
Shelley Lowe-Joyner
Stephanie Mosayebi
January 6, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about William. I knew William for over 20 yrs. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
January 6, 2011
my little brother was one of the best that everybody loved
Jack & Jo Roten
January 6, 2011
We are deeply sadden to hear about William's passing. William was a free spirit who loved life and was a devoted father. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Sincerely,
Doug Hruska
January 6, 2011
sorry I didnt know or meet you man, but if you were a good friend of Jays......you wouldve been a good friend of mine. RIP bro. Doug
Lisa Lopez
January 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. William was one of the kindest people I ever knew. I will miss him every day of my life. You are ONE with nature now beautiful man! Love you!
Laura Staff
January 6, 2011
William and his daughter Anastasia
William, his son Jacob & his best-friend Ray Miesbauer
William Carnes
January 6, 2011
Shannon McSheehan
January 6, 2011
My heart goes out to Salt's family and all of his many friends...especially to his parents, Laura and his beautiful kids. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies.
Angela Newton
January 6, 2011
Laura, Jacob, Ana & the entire family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. You will all have a very special angel watching over you.
Blessings....
Blessings,
Angela Newton
January 6, 2011
Laura, Jacob, Ana & the entire family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. You will all have a very special angel watching over you.
Blessings....
Blessings,
Scott Huffman
January 6, 2011
Will was a very special person.I will always cherish the fond memories of him and the times we had together.All of my thoughts and love go out to Barbara,Steve,Rusty.Laura.Ana and Jacob.
I will miss you my brother!!
Huffy
Suzann Biggers
January 6, 2011
My condolences to the family, friends and the Staff family. My prayers are with you in this time of need. I knew Salt many years ago and he was a great friend to me. He will be missed by all.
Showing 1 - 92 of 92 results
Make a Donation
in William Carnes's name
Memorial Events
for William Carnes
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Carnes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
