Some people can say they have enough toys to fill an entire box. Charles Carson, however, had enough to fill an entire truck.
Carson collected toys year-round, making sure he had more than enough to deliver to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding for children fighting cancer.
“We bought toys everywhere, even if we were grocery shopping,” said his wife, Rita Rivard-Carson of Hapeville. “They’d have matchbox cars at 10 for $10 at Kroger, and we would always buy them.”
Having cancer himself, Carson wasn’t a stranger to the havoc it can wreak on a life. He hated knowing there were children dealing with the same kind of pain, which fueled his dedication to make a difference in their lives, his wife said.
And he did make a difference.
“Because of him, I was able to make many wishes come true for so many kids,” said Sondra Brooks, senior volunteer coordinator for Children’s Healthcare at Hughes Spalding. “This year he went above and beyond. He was absolutely amazing.”
Knowing he was growing weaker, Carson made sure to deliver the toys in early November, only weeks before his death.
Charles Samuel Carson Jr. of Hapeville died Nov. 30 from complications of tonsillar cancer at Sacred Journey Hospice in McDonough. He was 65. His body was cremated by the Cremation Society of Georgia, which was also in charge of the arrangements. A memorial service was held Saturday at Tri-Cities Church, East Point.
Carson worked as a locksmith in and around Atlanta for 25 years. Early in his career, he opened Charles Carson Locksmith, from which he retired in August of last year. His cancer may have forced an end to his career, but it didn’t dampen his passion to give back. And not just to Children’s Healthcare at Hughes Spalding.
He also worked generously with Friendship Baptist Church in Newnan, often buying and donating carloads of food from Sam’s Club to give to people in need, said the Rev. Harry Parkerson, the church’s pastor.
“He would bring box after box after box,” Parkerson said. “Then when he got sick and wasn’t able to make the trip, he would call me to come get the food in Hapeville. That’s how important it was to him.”
Despite his cancer, Carson was always positive. According to those who knew him, he had a joyful spirit that was hard to ignore, and he never complained about his pain. He knew his sickness was irreversible, but he made sure he was the one running his life — not his cancer.
“He had more stamina and energy than somebody who was 100 percent well,” his wife said. “Nothing held him down. Nothing.”
In addition to his wife, Carson is survived by one daughter, Amanda Carson Harley of Suwanee; and two step-sons, Geven Aston of Cumming and Mack Harris Jr. of Hutchinson, Kan.
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