J. Roger Carr, age 86, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 22, 2023 in Winterville, Georgia after battling the effects of a massive stroke in 2015 and then Alzheimer’s Disease.

Roger was born at home on November 29, 1936 to Mary Jane and Jimmy Carr in Chester, Georgia. He arrived just a few minutes after his twin sister, Rosalyn Carr Shepard and this may have inspired his determination to always arrive first at any event the rest of his life. He grew up on the family farm with his 9 siblings, 1 brother and 8 sisters. His parents and his experience on the farm taught him the importance of hard work and family. He attended Chester High school where he gained his confidence and skills with his successes academically and in basketball, baseball, and drama club. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for 2 years in Tifton, Ga. and then transferred to the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1960. Roger went on to earn his Masters degree in Agricultural Science from UGA in 1966.

On May 19, 1960, Roger married Dorothy June Gordon (June) in Pineview, Ga. Together, they were a formidable team: smart, ambitious, and hard working. They settled in Oconee County and began two businesses there: Circle C Nursery and Circle C Ranch mobile home park to fill the needs of their growing, rural county. They also had two children, Rheema and Rodney. In 1988 Roger and June divorced, but their bond and love remained until her death in 2012.

For 30 years, Roger Carr dedicated himself to the Cooperative Extension Service and the 4-H program. In 1960, he started out as an assistant county agent in Jesup, Ga. He then became county agent in Walton County. His enthusiasm and hard work with his 4-Hers and the community in Walton County led to his promotion to the 4-H state staff at the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Georgia where he used his creativity to design and update 4-H programs, train county agents, and work with 4-Hers. His love of people, music, and his ability to motivate others were showcased in his work in the extension service. In 1990, he retired as State 4-H Specialist and was in charge of state events.

Roger was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jane Taylor Carr; father, Jimmy Carr; sisters, Ruby Rogers, Winifred Floyd, Ida Lou Parish, Dorothy Myers, Rosalyn Shepard, Jeannette Durand. Roger leaves behind his daughter Rheema (Jamie Capra); son, Rodney (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Clay Capra and Emma Carr; sisters, Elizabeth Laney,Yvonne Davis; brother; Gene Carr (Jean).

There will be a Memorial service to celebrate Roger Carr’s life on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the chapel at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Ga. at 11:00 am followed by a reception for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Georgia 4-H Foundation in memory of Roger Carr at https://georgia4hfoundation.org/general-donation/.