June 3, 2008Johnny Carson was a community heroIt has been requested that the story included in Terrific Tuesday be allowed to stand on its own and expanded in Carson's memory and as recognition for the significant assistance he supplied to Botetourt County and its citizens as a volunteer leader of the Buchanan Rescue Squad and member of Botetourt County Emergency Services. John Stull Carson, Jr. All is not well as Botetourt County has lost one of the finest volunteers ever. Johnny Carson, 50, of Buchanan, James River High School Class of 1976 and a member of the school's Hall of Fame, died late last week. He was buried yesterday. Rev. Marina Gadpaze who helped officiate his funeral service remarked by phone message, "It has been a very sad time for Buchanan and we have suffered a tremendous loss." Carson was a deacon at the church she serves, Buchanan Presbyterian. Spencer Suter, head of Emergency Services for Botetourt County had this to say about Carson: I interviewed Carson several years ago. He was 'Mr. Rescue Squad.' Carson not only served in Buchanan, he served the county as a whole as a volunteer and taught classes, solicited funds, volunteers and promoted volunteer rescue squads with a dedication not often seen. He leaves his mother and a brother and the greater community as a whole to mourn his loss. I never saw Johnny Carson that he didn't smile and wave. A real "Knight" in the 21st century has passed into the history of Botetourt County. He will be greatly missed. |
About this blog
Welcome to The Notebook, the community gathering place for news and tidbits from The Botetourt View, by community journalist Cathy Benson (that's her on the left). You'll be able to find the most up-to-date news, events and stories in Botetourt County here at this blog. And please join in! You can share your comments, stories, links and ideas here, too. This is your community conversation. .....Advertisement.....
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Comments
[June 4, 2008 7:10 AM]
Kathy SullivanAmen, we have lost a true hero. Last summer when Greer was involved in an accident, he called to apologize because he was not available to respond. He as always thinking of others. He is truly missed.
[June 4, 2008 8:08 AM]
Geo EBotetourt County did lose a real Knight. Good bye Johnny.
[June 4, 2008 9:50 AM]
Gloria CarterIt is sad beyond words, but true that we lost a very dedicated hero--he learned well from his family who loved and honored their community by their actions and in works of dedication above and beyond the call of duty. Anyone who has known members of the Barger and Carson family know that these wonderfully gifted and devoted people have lived the Golden Rule and very much like the motto of "Duty above self", John Stull Carson has followed the footsteps of our hometown-heroes and served us well--Thanks be to God for those like him and our other faithful rescue and fire volunteers that serve our hometowns in Botetourt County.
[June 4, 2008 2:09 PM]
Ned McElwaineIn the years that I knew and worked with Johnny, he constantly showed kindness, enthusiasm and warm-hearted concern for the well-being of others. It was a way of life for him that came naturally. Simply put Johnny was a "giver" in a world that needs so many more like him. Ned McElwaine.
[June 5, 2008 12:32 AM]
Martha AlphinCathy, what a lovely tribute.
I appreciate the opportunity to share my first introduction to Johnny. He responded to an emergency call with our son, David who was only 15 months old. His gentle way of calming the patient not to mention this scared Mom in the ambulance ride was so reassuring.
Lately he had been conducting "health Sunday" at our church where he would check folks blood pressure, glucose etc and because he cared so much for others and never ask for anything in return. Always giving of his time and energy to others - thank you Johnny.