Robert Morgan Carey

Robert (Bob) Morgan Carey, age 86 of Burnsville, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 26, 2023, after spending the morning in his favorite place, the great outdoors. Though his death was sudden, he was surrounded by family who loved and cherished him.

Bob was born in Milton, Delaware on August 30, 1936, to Willard Howard and Etta Morgan. He was the middle child between his now deceased brother, Ronald (Ronnie) Carey, and his surviving younger sister, Joan Walls Carey. He graduated from Milton High School and then attended the University of Delaware, before receiving his forestry degree from Penn State University. Bob was a proud alumni and Saturday afternoons during football season always revolved around watching Penn State Nittany Lions. After marrying his sweetheart, Nancy Adams (Carey), he began his career with the United States Forest Service in Glide, Oregon on the Umpqua National Forest. He then became an Assistant Forest Ranger in Hot Springs, NC on the Pisgah National Forest in 1962. He also served as Assistant District Ranger for three years in the Jefferson National Forest before becoming District Ranger in Troy, NC on the Uwharrie National Forest. There, he headed the construction of the very popular Uwharrie Trail. In 1980, he made his way back to the Pisgah National Forest as District Ranger in Burnsville, NC. He worked at the Pisgah District Supervisors Office in Asheville until his retirement in 1993.

Bob was very active in his community where his caring, supportive nature and strong integrity made him a valuable member of many service organizations. Among them are: The Lions Club (over 60 years), Disability Rights of North Carolina, NAMI (National Association for Mentally Ill), NAACP, Sierra Club and WNC Association of Federal Employees.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy Adams Carey; sister, Joan Walls Carey; sons: Steven Carey and Aaron Carey (Susan); grandson, Bradley Carey; granddaughter, Carlie Carey; and great-grandson, Clayton Carey.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lions Club in Burnsville, NC.

Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Carey family.

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