Joseph R. Carrier

Joseph “Joe” Randall Carrier, 78, graduated to his eternal reward in Heaven on Friday, January 28, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, in his Richmond, Texas home. His passing marks the end of a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – a battle Joe faced daily for the last 11 years with courage, strength, humor, and determination.

Joe was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to Joseph GC Carrier and Edith Andrews Carrier Barr. He was a graduate of Newburyport High School, where he played the drums in the concert and marching bands. As a Summer job in his teens, he played a cowboy: riding horses and performing at Adventure Land, a western and story book themed amusement park. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and attended the Naval School of Music.

Joe was a consummately honest and hard-working man who always sacrificed to provide for his family. His happiest “work” times were those he spent as a drummer for the bands Ace Tones and Night Life (singing a mean “You May Be Right” by Billy Joel, by the way) and especially as the drummer for his daughters Danielle and Jeannine’s country music group Calico.

He would tell you his greatest accomplishment was marrying his beautiful wife of almost 55 years, Georgette (Rivers) Carrier, whom he met while working as an instructor at the Rae Nichols Music School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where Georgette was a student. Together they raised five amazing children. He was so proud of the adults they have become – each with their own special talents and gifts and all lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ: His oldest son, Jeffrey and wife, Deb and their three girls, Abigail, Becky & Charlotte; oldest daughter, Jeannine (LaBranche) and husband, Mark and their son, Kyle & his wife, Courtney; middle son, Jason and wife, Alison and their children, Grayson & Bryson; youngest daughter, Danielle (Valdez) and husband, Joe and daughters Shayla, Zoie, & Josie; and youngest son, Matthew and wife, Christy and twins Ethan & Emery and daughter, Emma (and soon to arrive daughter Evie), and several great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and children, Joe also leaves behind a younger brother, Jim Barr and wife, Michelle, who reside in California. Joe is predeceased by his father, Joseph G.C.; mother, Edith; sister, Sharon Carrier; and grandson, Evan Carrier.

Joe lived life to the fullest with the ones he loved. For him, there was no bowl of popcorn too big, no martini too strong, no joke too funny (especially if told by his boys) and no family time worth missing. Heaven is blessed to have a new drummer in the band – one with an infectious laugh, a big heart, and a love for the Lord. And maybe the next time you hear the thunder roll during a storm, it might just be Joe doing a Heavenly drum solo. Husband, Dad, Pepere (or Pop Pop) and friend. He will be missed until the time we’re all together again in glory.

A celebration of life is to be held at Katy Funeral Home on Sunday, February 20, 2022, from 1:00-3:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cure PSP Foundation online through www.curepsp.org, by phone at (347)294-2873 (CURE), or email for more information to [email protected].