Robert Emery Carrington III
Robert Emery Carrington III, 80, of Byhalia, Mississippi, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Ciel Senior Living in Collierville, TN.
Bob was born on July 8, 1943, to Robert Emery Carrington Jr., and Ardean Williams Carrington. A lifelong Byhalian, he remained in the beloved town where he was born for his entire eight decades and served as a devoted member and leader of the Byhalia United Methodist Church.
He was married for 53 years to Bettye Weeks Carrington, whom he met at the wedding of mutual friends. The two built a life raising children and grandchildren, to whom they were extremely devoted. Undoubtedly his favorite role, Bob instantly became chauffeur, butler, and best friend to his granddaughter, Kaleigh Anna Carrington, upon her arrival in 2006.
The longest amount of time he spent away from Byhalia was during his college career at the University of Mississippi in the early 1960s. There, he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and established lifelong bonds with those he met during that formative time in his life.
His faithful service to his community and neighbors leaves a far-reaching legacy of countless friends made and many lives touched. As a gifted conversationalist with a willingness to freely give of his time, Bob collected buddies everywhere he went. You could approach him with any problem, and if he couldn't fix it, he knew just who to call.
His natural inclination to assist others led to the perfect career spent as an independent insurance agent for over 40 years, first at Greer & White Insurance in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and later at Hub International in Oxford, Mississippi. He was appointed to the State Comprehensive Health Planning Council and Mississippi Insurance Rating Bureau.
The devotion to his community began at a young age as he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in his teens. Bob was also elected and served the town of Byhalia as alderman for 30 years. He also provided guidance as a board member of both Unity Bank and Marshall Academy. He enjoyed membership with the Byhalia Lions Club and the Holly Springs Rotary Club, leading both as president for a time. These organizations honored his commitment by bestowing Bob with recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club and as a Melvin Jones Fellow from the Lions Club. In 2010, he was named the Byhalia Chamber of Commerce Leader of the Year.
Over the years, Bob relished time spent around a table, especially at the Whistle Stop or Short Stop cafes, and Seafood Junction Too on Thursday nights. He loved any excuse to gather with friends, as well as a good Ford Explorer to get him there.
He leaves behind with cherished memories his wife, Bettye Kaye Carrington; son, Chad Carrington and his wife Maria Carrington of Cordova, Tennessee; daughter, Emery Newsom and her husband Michael Newsom of Oxford, Mississippi; granddaughters, Angel Hilton, Kaleigh Carrington, and Madison Carrington; grandson, Austin Carrington; and his sister, Betty Vandiver.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Emery Carrington Jr. and Ardean Williams Carrington, and grandson Nicholas Hilton.
Services in memory of Robert Emery Carrington III, were held on Monday June 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Byhalia United Methodist Church in The Flame with burial following in Byhalia Cemetery. The family received visitors from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, 2024, also in The Flame.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Byhalia United Methodist Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 6, Byhalia, MS 38611.
paid obituary