Mr. Carl Melvin Way was born in Columbia, South Carolina on Friday, May 19, 1933, by a midwife to Reverend Stephen E. Way and “Mother” Vanilla George Way. Both preceded him in death. Carl transitioned from this earthly life on Thursday, October 27, 2021, at the blessed age of 88, at Altercare of Alliance Nursing Home, Alliance, Ohio. He spent several weeks under hospice care.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Lightner-Way; his former wife, Julia Mae Tucker-Way Wilks; all of his siblings: Joseph Lee, Charles Stephen, Louise Jeanette, Zellie Earl, Olin Delano, and, just a few short months ago, his last surviving brother, Curtis Julius.
Carl grew up in Columbia, and as young teen worked with his father, who was quite the “handyman” when it came to building and repairing things. In fact when his father was building their home on Colonial Drive just across the road from the Seaboard Railways tracks, he would often reflect on how he would sleep overnight at the building sight with a baseball bat as a teen to protect the site and keep someone from stealing the lumber. He was educated in the Richland County School System, and was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, in Columbia, SC, Class 0f 1951.
Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, where he worked as a radio system repairman and electrician. His duty assignments included: Shaw AFB, SC; Donaldson Air Force Base, Greenville, SC; New England, as well as tours of duty in Alaska and Japan.
After leaving the Air Force, Carl moved to Alliance, Ohio, where he worked several jobs until starting with Pennsylvania Railroad which later became Conrail. For many years, he worked on the tracks replacing railroad ties and repairing tracks. After moving to Canton, OH, he moved to the railroad maintenance shop, and also became a driver, after he acquired his CDL (commercial driver’s license) until retirement from Conrail.
Carl loved tinkering with things and just like his father, he was quite the handyman himself. He could do almost any kind of work from repairing televisions, electrical wiring, auto repair, drywall, plumbing, and even roofing. He also loved traveling, camping and fishing…especially fishing! He especially loved taking the grandkids camping, fishing, and just showing them how to do things. Carl Way loved his family, and he especially loved his grandchildren very much!
Mr. Carl Way leaves to cherish his life and mourn his passing: two sons, Christopher D. Way, of Hephzibah, GA and Kenneth L. (Marilyn) Way, of Jonesboro, GA; daughter, Valerie W. Ashford, of Columbia, SC; two step-sons, Marcus Miller, Sr., of Akron, OH and Bradford (Belinda) Miller, of Vallejo, CA; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.
As we live of this life in Christ Jesus. Let it be within our “countenance” with nothing missing, nothing broken, and nothing lacking in receiving our reward from enduring through our faith in Him.
In loving memory!
Pastors:
Joseph & Selma Aiken
The Life Church
To,Chris,Val,Kenny,I pray that the Love,memories and precious times spent with,Uncle Carl be of comfort to Uand help ease your sorrow,he was truly a wonderful, kind,honest,person, may the life he lived speak for him I pray God’s continued Blessings upon each of U
To,Chris,Val,Kenny,I pray that the Love,memories and precious times spent with,Uncle Carl be of comfort to Uand help ease your sorrow,he was truly a wonderful, kind,honest,person, may the life he lived speak for him
My grandpa was an amazing man! He always let me tinker with his gadgets in his garage. I’ll miss him. Thank you for all of the lessons you taught me as a child while camping during our summers. I love you grandpa, until we meet again.
The only grandfather I ever knew. I loved his company as a kid and appreciated it more as an adult. He always took care of me and never told me “no” to any request I had. I’ll miss my grandpa…
Condolences to our family just lost for words but we know that God is able to strength us during this difficult time.
Alvin & Francina Way. Keep On Trusting In Jesus
Condolences to the family. Carl Way and I are first cousins. Aunt Vanilla was my dad’s (Zellie George) sister. Family you are in our prayers 🙏.
Yvonne George Stocker and Family
Just another soldier from our Way, Hammond & Speaks family that have gone on to live among our ancestors before him in the kingdom of God.
May the Lord bless this family as we mourn our dearly departed, cousin *** Carl Way. His life’s journey has been filled with love for his family and happiness in his heart for life it’s self. My the life he lived, speak for him.
Peace and blessings of love to all family and friends ❤️