William L. Carson

After an extended illness, William Lloyd Carson (Bill), 91 of Taylor, MI passed away of natural causes in his home on Thursday, November 13, 2014. Bill was born on October 4, 1923 and his parents were Robert and Delia Carson of Detroit, MI. Bill graduated from Wilbur Wright Trade School, where he studied automotive manufacturing. During World War II, Bill served as a cadet in the U.S Naval Aviation preflight program where he learned to fly the Grumman F6F Hellcat aircraft. He also was a member of with the United States 2nd Marine Corp Division deployed to Nagasaki, Japan. On November 9, 1946, Bill married Betty Jane Shankus at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Lincoln Park. He worked for close to 30 years at Ford Motor Companyandafter having managed several engineering departments, retired from the Automotive Engine Division in 1979. An excellent athlete, Bill especially loved to play tennis and golf. He was a member on several leagues, played weekly tennis matches, and bowled on a Wednesday night league with Betty and friends. Bill was a spirited man who loved dancing, Pinochle, and a good party. He had meaningful friendships with many people, which spanned the course of over 80 years. Bill was devoted to the Catholic Church and served her in many capacities over the years. Whether it was with the Knights of Columbus, being an usher at Mass, managing the weekly offerings or saying the Rosary at funerals, the parishes that Bill belonged to were special to him. Over the course of his life he was a parishioner at St. Alfred, St. Hugh and St. Constance Catholic Churches. Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty. He is also survived by six children: Robert Carson of Taylor, Lynn Boughton (Greg) of Brooklyn, MI; John Carson (Susanne) of Los Angeles, CA; Patrick Carson (Teresa) of Taylor; Jan McCall (Edward) of Traverse City, MI; and Michael Carson (Debby) of Houston, TX. He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family of Bill Carson would like to thank the very special women who cared for him during the last years of his life – Kim, Marge and Christy. They are also grateful to the caring staff of Angela Hospice and Father Leo Sabourin of St. Constance who was always a source of faith-filled inspiration for Bill. Memorial contributions to honor Bill's memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Constance Catholic Church