Willie Clarence Carr

Bishop Willie Clarence Carr Sr.,74, of Willow Street, PA, passed away on May 31, 2022.  He was born April 30, son of Luella (Rose) Carr and the late Pastor Fletcher Carr.

Willie Carr went to Academy High School in Erie, Pennsylvania.  During his early years he enjoyed wrestling, tennis, and traded his piano lessons for martial arts training where he became a Master in various martial arts styles. Later, he used his martial arts and wrestling experiences during the Vietnam War.  He was Sergeant in the Air Force (Special Forces) and the Army. 

Upon his return home, his transition from military life into civilian life (like so many) was not smooth. Determined to make a difference, he started a school and taught civilians how to protect themselves.   With his family by his side, he returned to his faith.  Along with his wife, he created a prison ministry in Erie and Cambridge Springs Pa.  He was also Chaplin of Pleasant Ridge, Edmund L. Detention Center and Crossroads.  Later, he became Pastor and then Bishop of Christ Divine and acquired a Doctorate in Religious Arts.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his siblings Peggie Ann Carr-Young, James Emmet Carr, Sr., Dorcas Jean Carr, paternal grandparents, Oscar and Lena Carr, maternal grandparents, Willie and Betty Rose, brother-in-law, Otis Smith, brother-in-law, Michael Roberts, and sister-in-law, Susan Carr, son-in-law, Lucious Parham Jr.

Bishop Willie Carr Sr. is survived by his wife Dr. Verdia (Roberts) Carr of 54 years, and his three children Willie Carr Jr, (Handrick) of Willow Street, PA, Elizabeth Jackson (Mandel) of Suiteland, MD,  and Alita Carr-Parham of Willow Street, PA, his siblings Fletcher Carr (Cynthia) of Scottsdale, AZ, Ozeella Smith of Erie, Norma Payton (Roosevelt) of College Park, Georgia, Joseph Carr (Hilda) of Lexington, KY, Polly Jones (Timothy Sr.) of Richmond Heights, OH, Marie Roberts of Brandon, FL, Jerry Carr (Valerie) of Cape Coral, FL, Nathaniel Carr (Linda) of Ames, IA, Lena Lecesne (Tyrone) of Tampa, FL, Solomon Carr of Owings Mills, MD, Michael Carr (Elizabeth) of Phoenix, AZ, Mark Carr of Erie. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sharnita Carr, of Erie, Isaiah Carr, Elijah Carr, and Gabriella Carr all of Willow Street, PA, aunt, Anne Young (Tom) of Erie, brother-in-law, Bill Young of Erie, several uncles, nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins, additional family, and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com

Friends and Family are invited to Morning Star Baptist Church 327 East 23rd Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503. on Thursday June,9 from 10:00 am till the start of his Homegoing Celebration beginning at 12 Noon. Interment will be held privately at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, Pennsylvania 17003.

Arrangements are being handled by Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503. 

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