Carlos Bowers Hart, 97, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, July 27, at Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center.
Carlos was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on February 11, 1928, to Virginia Bowers Cralle and Alexander Edwin Cralle, Junior. He was later adopted by his step-father, Emmet Perkins (E.P.) Hart and raised by E.P. and Virginia in Salem.
He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1946, Greenbrier Military School in 1948, and Elon College (University) in 1950 with a degree in Business Administration. Carlos went to work for the Farmer’s National Bank in Salem as a teller, all the while the Korean conflict was heating up. Carlos then joined the United States Air Force. He was a First Lieutenant Fighter Pilot who served as squadron leader, as an all-weather jet interceptor and an engineering test pilot.
He met Patricia Louise Rolbiecki of Winona, Minnesota, a United States Air Force Radar Operator at Hancock Air Force Base in Syracuse, N.Y., where both were stationed. The two were married on June 4, 1955, in Salem, where they lived and raised their children together.
Carlos began working at Hart Motor Company with his mother and dad full time in 1955. Through the years, even as a young boy he worked many jobs in the dealership from sweeping and cleaning the shop to later in life selling new Oldsmobiles. Carlos loved people, but reconditioning used cars and making them sparkle gave him immense satisfaction.
The civic involvement Carlos engaged in are too many to name. A few notable associations include membership in Alpha Pi Delta Fraternity, Spanish Club, Elon Choir, Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society, and the Masons. He served as a deacon at Salem Presbyterian Church, President of Salem Kiwanis Club, Lieutenant Governor for Capital District Kiwanis International, President of the Virginia Auto Dealers Association, and member of the Salem Bank Board of Trustees.
He was an avid bird hunter and tennis player late into life.
Carlos Hart will always be remembered as a generous, honest, good-natured man, quick with a funny story; devoted to his family, community, and church.
Carlos is survived by his wife, Patty, and four of his five sons, all living in Salem: Carlos Bowers Jr. (Jennifer), Gregory Sinclair (Laura), Daniel Leigh (Sandy), and James Gehret (Carla). Grandchildren include DW, Jack, Rose, Joseph, Alex, Claire, Marleigh, Camden, and Langley. His siblings include Alice, Laura, and Raymond Cralle.
He is preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Bryan, and parents, Virginia and E.P.
Memorial donations may be made to the Salem Kiwanis Club, P.O. BOX 133 Salem, VA 24153
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center.
Per the family’s request, services will be held privately. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
