Daniel Lee Carr

On Friday April 9, 2021, Daniel Lee Carr passed away at the age of 78, surrounded by his family. Dan was preceded in death by his brother, Keith, and his parents, Dan and Jane. He is survived by his wife, Ann, his brother Terry, his children, Danny, Becky and Tyler, as well as his eight grandchildren.

Born in Pennsylvania, Dan grew up in Winter Park, FL, where he developed many lifelong friendships. He graduated from Winter Park High School and Rollins College. Except for brief periods during military service and work overseas in Nigeria, Central Florida was his home.

The defining relationship of his life was with his wife, Ann. During 53 years of marriage, they were able to support each other in creating a loving home, a large network of friends and a long list of adventures and accomplishments of which they are proud.

Dan was driven from an early age to see the world and make his mark upon it. He visited every continent except for Antarctica and made motorcycle journeys across Europe, Asia and North America. Dan and a close friend even explored Mayan temples on a property they invested in together in Belize.

Dan was deeply affected by his combat service in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He held a strong sense of camaraderie for his fellow Naval Aviators. The things they were able to achieve together gave him confidence that he carried over into other endeavors. He had a profound appreciation for all the people that sacrificed for their country voluntarily, or are otherwise impacted by warfare.

Southland Construction, Inc. was founded by Dan in 1977. He enjoyed the construction industry and his company is well established in a variety of disciplines. Dan’s greatest business accomplishment was that in a very competitive, unstable industry, he has created a home where a large number of people develop their talents and provide a living for their families.

Southland was not Dan’s first business venture. Daniel L. Carr, Inc. was founded in 1972, but failed, a victim of economic turbulence. As he was known to say, he was never paid for his first construction project. Instead of declaring bankruptcy, Dan fastidiously worked with the people he owed from this venture. He was humbled by those who remained patient with him during this difficult period and paid this kindness forward whenever he could, for the rest of his life.

Outside of his family and work life, Dan’s greatest passion was flying. After the Navy, he continued to pilot aircraft in to his late 60s. The deep concentration required relaxed him, and he enjoyed the physical sense of freedom and exploration. In the 2010s, Dan led an effort to restore an A-4 Skyhawk which was able to fly at air shows. Flying introduced Dan to the Bahamas. He enjoyed boating and snorkeling trips there with family and friends. The combination of water, wind and sun washed away the stresses of his work life. The Bahamas became a second home for him.

Dan will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. His watchword was decency. He set high standards for himself, but was patient and kind with those around him. Throughout his whole life, he improved the world around him, one relationship at a time.

A memorial service for Dan will be held on Friday April 16th at 3pm at the Winter Park Farmers' Market, 200 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Dan will be buried with his parents and brother at Glen Haven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the Carr Family invites you to make a donation in Dan's name to The Sharing Center of Longwood, to whom he faithfully gave, and in whose mission he passionately believed.

(Any flowers generously offered may be delivered to Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home for transport to the Celebration. Please deliver to 994 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, Florida by Friday at 11am. The Farmers' Market does not receive flowers ahead of time. Thank you!)