Obituary of Harold J. Carlton

Harold J. Carlton, age 81, of US Hwy. 421 S., Deep Gap, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. Harold was born April l4, l941 in Watauga County to Guy and Vertie Carroll Carlton. He was a member of Stony Fork Baptist Church. Harold retired from the Ford Dealer in Boone as the used car manager. Harold was a sweet and loving husband and father. After retirement, he always looked forward to sitting in his sunroom enjoying the view of the mountains and always with his furry buddy, 'Tiny' sitting by his side. Harold never met a stranger, and was the one to always start a conversation. He also enjoyed his older vehicles. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Vertie Carlton; his loving first wife, Linda Cox Carlton; sisters, Clara Lineberry and Ann Davis; brothers, Gurnie and Claude Carlton; and infant grandchildren, Troy and Melanie Ann. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Hamby Carlton; son, Jeffrey Carlton and friend, Shari Radford of Statesville; daughter, Teresa Ann Carlton of North Myrtle Beach, SC, and friend, Dennis Velez of Lincolnton; step-son, Dwayne Hamby and wife, Anne, of Deep Gap; granddaughter, Laney Carlton of Gastonia; grandsons, Chad McGuire and wife, Kate, of Winston-Salem and Cody McGuire and wife, Lillian, of Charleston, SC; and four great grandchildren. Funeral services for Harold Carlton will be conducted Saturday afternoon, July 23rd at 2 o'clock, at Stony Fork Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Sherrill Wellborn, R. D. Watson, and Rev. Phillip Woodring. The body will lie in state at the church from 1 until 2 o'clock. Graveside services will follow in the Stony Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening, July 22, from 6 until 7:30, at Austin & Barnes. At other times, the family will be at the Carlton residence. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Carlton family.