Obituaries

Charles E. Carr, a professor in the School of Law for 28 years, died suddenly Dec. 6 in his sister’s home in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Born in Manhattan in 1946, Carr grew up in Brooklyn and after a tour of military service in Vietnam, received his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Medgar Evers College. He received a JD from Howard University Law School in 1977, and was recruited out of Howard by the special prosecutor’s office of New York City.

Carr joined the UB law school faculty in 1982, teaching Trial Technique, Evidence, Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law and Legal Writing.

He was remembered by colleagues and family as “a consummate professor,” a kind, thoughtful and balanced teacher who encouraged every student to question the justice system through the lens of inherent bias, especially in the case of color. He served on numerous anti-racism and bias training committees, and was quoted frequently in the media on news events and issues.

“He was always meticulously dressed in a beautiful suit with a rose in his lapel. He exuded confidence and elegance,” recalled one former student who took Carr’s Criminal Procedure class.

Another alumnus noted that while he never had a class with Carr, “we all looked up to him and tried to emulate him. He inspired us and demonstrated what it meant to be a lawyer and counsellor.”

Carr retired from the law school in 2010. Following retirement, he cared for his parents until their deaths 12 years ago.

Carr was a passionate golfer. Known as “the Professor” by his golfing friends, he played at Delaware Park and other courses almost every day for 40 years — weather permitting. Family members said he never kept score — except at fundraisers — yet could easily recount the highlights of his matches. He had a new golf swing every year that was going to change his life and watched golf videos with the passionate analysis of a pro to find just the right technique.

His quick and unfailing sense of humor enlivened the world with laughter. He ultimately enjoyed life’s best bits and left the rest for someone else.

A memorial service was held on Jan. 7; another is planned for April 15 in Spartanburg.

Donations in Carr’s memory can be sent to Howard University School of Law, c/o Howard University, P.O. Box 417853, Boston, MA, 02241-7853