Raleigh
On Thursday, May 25, 2017, Alfred Pershing Carlton Jr., best known as “A.P.", died peacefully in his home. A.P. was born in Raleigh on August 27, 1947, and soon moved to Greensboro, where he grew up and attended public schools. Before graduating from Grimsley High School, A.P. was active in scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and was a star on the state championship basketball team.
He went on to graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1969 with a business degree. While serving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, A.P. earned his Master’s in Public Administration from Dayton University. He then returned to Chapel Hill and subsequently graduated from the UNC School of Law in 1976.
Carlton was a lawyer, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had a personality that was larger than life. He lived authentically with a brilliant mind and an overflowing heart; sharing both freely and often. He dubbed all people alike with affectionate nicknames. Everyone who knew him has a story about how he unapologetically filled a room – and was so uniquely A.P. He had an unmatched energy fueled by the desire to connect with people and inspire them, and in so doing, he fueled his own personal drive that lead to a lifetime of personal and professional success.
A.P.’s booming southern drawl garnered the attention of all in his presence. His professional leadership and love of the law won the respect and admiration of some of the best lawyers across America. He was proud to have practiced with the late Governors Terry Sanford and James Holshouser, as well as current Chief Justice Mark Martin. He reached the pinnacle of his professional success as Chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates and then as President of the ABA. Only one other North Carolinian, Willis Smith, has risen to the lofty heights as President of the ABA. Following his service at the ABA, he returned to his first love – the everyday practice of law. A.P. will long, too, be remembered for his lasting contributions to higher education by the UNC and Elon Law Schools as well as UNC Wilmington.
He was a man of faith, and dearly loved being involved in the Raleigh Moravian Church. He enjoyed learning about the theology and history of the Moravians. He shared his passion for the church by teaching Sunday school, reading scripture in services, and sharing in fellowship with its members.
A.P. was predeceased by his parents, Alfred Pershing Carlton, Sr. and Katherine Singleton Carlton.
He is survived by his wife, Blair Creech Carlton, his sisters, Katherine McAdams and Elizabeth Fiebach, children, Mary Beth and Troy, grandchildren, Katherine, Emma, and Franklin, and those whom he loved as his own, Wright and Julia Gray, and their children, Coleman, Parker, Marina, and Blair.
The family welcomes all to a service of celebration for the life and faith of A.P. Carlton, Jr. at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 1, 2017 at the Raleigh Moravian Church, 1816 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Raleigh Moravian Church or charity of choice.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh.
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