Colonel (US Army retired) Carl Ledbetter Acree of Oak Island, NC passed away peacefully Sunday, October 8, 2017 at The Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center in Bolivia, NC.

Carl was born April 25, 1926 in Groveland, FL, son of the late Mary Gibson Ledbetter Acree and Edwin Arlington Acree, brother, David and sister, Charlotte. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, Doris Ray Everette Acree. He is survived by three children: Katherine Acree Tryon of Suffield, CT, Barbara Acree Inabinett (husband, Mike Inabinett) of Oak Island, NC and Carl F. Acree of Garner, NC (wife Karen); four grandchildren: Christian Tryon of Cambridge, MA, Heather Tryon-Winship of Suffield, CT, Carl J. Acree of Apex, NC and Taylor W. Acree of Cary, NC as well as seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Carl served his country by enlisting in the Navy in 1943. He was assigned to Electric Boat Company of Groton, CT where he lived on the submarine, Blower, as it was built and later commissioned to set out for Pearl Harbor in late 1944. Carl served in WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars while representing his country in the Navy, North Carolina National Guard and US Army. He was assigned to the Pentagon, before retiring in 1982. His service was honored with a trip to Washington, DC to tour the war memorials as part of the Triangle Flight of Honor. Carl received his B.A. in Political Science from N.C. State University in 1989.

Carl was a ham radio operator, played the harmonica and enjoyed fishing and golf. He was an avid ballroom dancer and he and Doris won many competitions for their elegance on the dance floor. Carl also loved music. He could often be heard singing “In the Garden” one of his favorite hymns. He had a talent for repairing and building and could always be counted on to “fix it”.

He was affectionately known as “PaPa” to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was loved and respected as father, husband, mentor, veteran and friend; he will be missed. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Oak Island. Carl demonstrated his strong Christian faith to all who knew him, even to the end. He was at peace knowing his final destination.

In memory and celebration of Carl’s life, please consider a donation to the Church building fund: First Baptist Church of Oak Island, 4608 East Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465 or Rolesville Baptist Church, 203 East Young Street, Rolesville, NC 27571 or a memorial contribution to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401-7335.

The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the services and loving care from staff at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center, Bolivia, NC; Coastal Companion Care of Southport, NC; and the countless phone calls, cards, visits, food and especially prayers from friends and family. A special thank you to Betty Gore of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for her visits and care in the home for the month’s prior to Carl’s passing.

A graveside service will take place at a later date in the Rolesville Baptist Church Cemetery in Rolesville, North Carolina.