Barbara (Ruddle) Carr

Clinton, NC – Barbara Ruddle Carr, 92, joined her Lord and Savior peacefully from her home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Born on February 18, 1934 in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the daughter of the late Anola Thweatt and Curtis Speight Ruddle. She received her nursing degree from The Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing and met the love of her life, Dr. Henry James Carr, Jr., while training in Philadelphia.

Following her husband’s military service in Germany and the completion of his residency in Philadelphia, the couple moved to Clinton, North Carolina. It was there that Barbara and her husband of 68 years raised their family and became pillars of their community.

Barbara’s professional life was defined by her commitment to the nursing profession. She shared her vast clinical knowledge as an instructor at Sampson Community College and Sampson Memorial Hospital.

A natural and fierce competitor, Barbara was also an accomplished athlete. Her dominance on the golf course was legendary, marked by an astounding streak of 13 consecutive championships. Her athletic talents extended to the tennis courts as well, where she claimed numerous club championships over the years.

Barbara possessed a "master’s touch" when it came to the arts. Whether it was intricate needlepoint, cross-stitch, or her decoupage purses, her work was defined by beauty and precision. Her most cherished creations were those made for her family; every grandchild entered the world wrapped in a sweater knitted specifically for them, along with handmade socks, booties, and hats.

In retirement, Barbara and Henry enjoyed their home in Sebring, Florida. Barbara remained active in the golfing community, becoming a beloved figure not just for her skill, but for her generous spirit. She was famously known for supplying local golfers with her homemade chocolate chip cookies at hole number 13.

Perhaps her favorite place on earth was Topsail Beach. There, she displayed her salt-water fishing talents and hosted her grandchildren every summer for the legendary "Camp Carr." These summers created a lifetime of memories filled with sand, sea, and grandmotherly love. Barbara and Henry’s greatest joy was the time spent with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the true center of their world.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Henry James Carr, Jr.; her brother, Curtis Speight Ruddle, Jr.; her sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Hobensack Ruddle; and her sister, Dorothy Anola Ruddle.

Left to cherish her memory are her four sons: Henry James Carr, III (Becky) of Clinton; Dr. William Curtis Carr (Nancy) of Clinton; Dr. David Ruddle Carr (Kathy) of Winston-Salem; and Robert Spell Carr (Wendy) of Clinton; and one daughter, Meda Carr Piner (Andy) of Greenville. Her legacy lives on through her 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to her loyal caretakers for their compassionate care: Connie, Shnetta, Lynn, Ann, Carolyn, Kay, and Lakeisha, as well as Kaitlyn and the team from 3HC for their diligent and benevolent care.

Her celebration will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 2:00 pm at First Methodist Church of Clinton, NC.  Visitation will follow the service in the fellowship hall with a family burial at 4:00.

Memorials may be sent to:

First Methodist Church, 208 Sampson St., Clinton, NC 28328

Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel, 1040 S. Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Carr family.