My memory of Mr. Carstarphen began in my grade school days in Spartanburg, SC. He was the father of three daughters about my age who I don't really recall my first introduction to - but in time they would become sisters to me while we were all growing up on Henson Street. The Carstarphen's house was Grand Central Station for the neighborhood - from kick the can to front-yard camp outs, it was the place to hang out.
At this time, Mr. Carstarphen was City Manager of Spartanburg, SC - as a youngster this was nothing more than a title to me. He wore a suit and tie to work just like my Dad the banker. But Mr. Carstarphen had that red MGB sporting an electric overdrive which was much more alluring to a boy than our family's Dodge Dart. Of course the refrigerator full of Pearl beer didn't help that hip image, but the '80s were a hard time to be a beer connoisseur.
Elementary School came and went, then Junior High, and into High School. Somewhere along the line, I acquired the nickname of 'George' from his girls which Mr. Carstarphen immediately picked up and I would have to leave town to shake that name! Adolescence would of course bring a steady stream of suitors to the Carstarphen house and I recall with some amusement that there were times when Mr. Carstarphen would inform various gentlemen that visiting hours were over but I would somehow slip under the radar and remain on the couch watching TV... Was it just that I had become such a fixture in their living room that he no longer noticed or was it that he had a soft spot for the kid from down the street. Regrettably, I'll never know the answer to that question, but I'll always cherish those memories.
Our thoughts are with Lisa, Kristin, and Daughtry as they struggle to let the light of their fond memories for their father shine through the darkness of this sudden loss.
With our deepest regrets and all our love,
Michael "George" & Renida Carter
Los Alamos, NM
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