On Oct. 16, 2018 Carl Everett Votaw Jr., age 75, responded to the most glorious trumpet playing that he ever heard as he entered into his Heavenly home. Carl is survived by his most cherished possession, his wife, Helen Sagerser Votaw, with which he shared 57 exciting and adventurous years. From this union a beautiful daughter, Carla M. Thompson and her husband Michael. Three Grandson's, Zachary and his wife Sarah, Chad with two great grand-daughters, Londyn and Adalyn. A brother, Richard Merod and a sister, Pamela Votaw Harduby.

Carl is being reunited with his parents, Carl E. Votaw Sr. and Gladys Jaynes Votaw, step-mother Vivian Dubois Votaw, brother Scott Votaw, and #3 grandson, Joshua, whom was waiting and welcomed his grandpa into his new eternal home.

Carl learned many disciplines and values while serving in the Marines from 1960-1968, Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful, Always Loyal). These lessons would serve him well over the years as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and business man.

Carl was an entrepreneur, business man, inventor, designer, fabricator, machinist, in addition to many other talents. He established three successful businesses, Votaw Music Co., Votaw Tool Co. and Sailin' the Wind. Votaw Tool Co. is currently operating and has grown into an international business. He was surrounded by very special employees thru out his career. He loved his country very much and believed we should only buy American made products. His company is known for the quality of products and the integrity with which they are made. He was an active member of National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT).

He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast early on and was active in Flat Track and Scramble races thru out the Midwest. He would also load his wife on the bike and take off to tour the country, he was very free spirited. He enjoyed going on rides and met numerous people along his journeys, he was very out going and made many life long friends along the byways.

Carl had a passion for sail boats, catamarans and sail boards, a true sailor, and this led him into starting a business called “Sailin' the Wind”. From this, an organization was formed called “Hobie Fleet 59”. He also was a certified instructor for WindSurfing International. He made multiple friends and special memories thru out his sailing years. He traveled to the Gulf each year to chase the wind!

He attended Liberty Baptist Church for 38 years and was very devoted to the church. The Church family loved Carl and will continue to support Helen with their love.

Visitation services will be held Friday, Oct. 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at GreenLawn South.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1:00 pm at GreenLawn South with burial following in White Chapel Cemetery.