Carlton Ray (Carl) Simerson, 64, of Salisbury, passed away June 6, 2011, at Rowan Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was a cancer survivor for five years and had fought a courageous battle for the last six month against a recurrence.

Born Sept. 17, 1946 in Rowan County, he was the son of the late Luther B. Simerson and Viola Moore Simerson. A 1964 graduate of North Rowan High School, Carlton served his country in the United States Navy as a radar man on the USS Storms destroyer. He worked at North Carolina Finishing Company and then KOSA (Fiber Industries) from which he retired after 35 years as an electrician and computer technician. A graduate of the 1994 class of Leadership Rowan, he was a member of the Andrew Jackson Masonic Lodge and participated in many groups and activities at Christ United Methodist Church.

In his spare time, and after retirement, he enjoyed the beaches of South Carolina, working in the yard, playing golf with GARS for many years and most of all spending time with his family and many wonderful, loving friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years, Martha Hogue Simerson; children, William Ray Simerson of Salisbury, Michael Ray Simerson and fiancé Julie Justice of Lexington and Lea Ann Simerson Brown and husband Ryan of Kannapolis. Surviving in addition to his wife and children are a brother, Richard Simerson and wife Sharon of Sanford; a sister, Bonnie Simerson Cress and husband Allen of Faith; and four grandchildren, Matthew, Christopher, and Erin Simerson, all of Salisbury and Katie Lea Brown of Kannapolis. He also leaves behind his special little lap dog “Teapot”.

Memorial Service & Visitation: 3 p.m. June 10, 2011, at Christ United Methodist Church with Pastor Jim King officiating. The visitation will follow in the fellowship hall. Military rites will be conducted by the N.C. Honor Guard and the Rowan County Honor Guard.

Memorials: Rowan Helping Ministries, 226 N. Long St., Salisbury, NC 28144; Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary, 322 E. Fisher St., Salisbury, NC 28144; Christ United Methodist Church Bus Fund, 3401 Mooresville Rd., Salisbury, NC 28147; American Cancer Society , or to the donor’s choice.

Carolina Cremation (formerly Evergreen Cremation Services) of Salisbury, NC is assisting the Simerson family. Online condolences may be made at www.mycarolinacremation.com.