William Richard Carr

On December 26, 2024, Bill Carr left this world to join family and friends in Heaven. He was the only child of Tom and Dorothy Carr and was born on February 27, 1939, in Fresno, CA. Bill was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and a cherished friend to many. Bill attended St. John's Elementary and San Joaquin Memorial High School before earning a Civil Engineering degree from Fresno State University. Bill was an outstanding athlete, excelling on the basketball court and baseball diamond. He was recognized as the Most Outstanding Pitcher in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. While attending Fresno State, Bill joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and enjoyed attending sporting events and parties with his many friends. He met Janice Matthews on a blind date, and the two fell in love. They were married on June 17, 1961, and started a family in Fresno. Their romance was a lasting one, as they remained devoted to each other for over 63 years. Bill became a registered Civil and Transportation Engineer and began his Engineering career with the Fresno County Public Works Department. In 1962, Bill accepted a job as Tulare County's first Traffic Engineer and moved his family to Visalia. He worked 17 years for the County and was promoted to Assistant Public Works Director. Bill then worked for the City of Visalia and during his 18 years there, held the titles of City Engineer, Public Works Director, Assistant City Manager, and Director of Transportation. Although he loved his work and the people he worked with, he retired at 55 to spend more time with his family and on the golf course. Bill enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, going to his son's and grandsons' sporting events, spending time with friends, and, most of all, playing golf. He and Jan were members of the Visalia Country Club for 52 years. He served on the Board of Directors and was the President of the VCC Seniors Club for 20 years. He was an accomplished player and for a while got down to a 3 handicap. He also served as a NCGA Course Rater for 30 years. Bill took great pride in both of his sons. With Jeff, Bill shared his love of games, especially cards, often marvelling at Jeff's memory and competitiveness, losing more than a time or two to Jeff during the family games of Tripoley. Bill taught his younger son, Michael, how to play golf at a young age and enjoyed seeing his success as a high school and collegiate golfer. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Janice, his two sons, Jeff and Michael (wife May), his three grandsons, Zachary (wife Lexi), Joshua, and Benjamin, May's daughters, Danielle and Allison, his great-grandson, Cruz, and a great-granddaughter due in February. A service will be held for Bill at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday January 2nd at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave. Visalia, followed by a reception at the Visalia Country Club 625 N. Ranch St. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

William Richard Carr

February 27, 1939 - December 26, 2024