William Baker Carleton

29 August 1942 – 24 November 2020

William Baker Carleton, age 78, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at his Pine Knoll Shores, NC home on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 after a courageous battle with Leukemia. His wife and children were by his side.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Carolyn N. Carleton; son William T. Carleton and spouse (Bobbi), daughter Catherine C. Rainey and spouse (Brett); two brothers, John T. Carleton and spouse (Christy) of St. James Plantation, NC and Curtis R. Carleton and spouse (Nancy) of Kiawah Island, SC; four granddaughters, Korbyn R. Carleton and Makenna B. Carleton, Charlie A. Rainey and Cameron Q. Rainey; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends near and far. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Dr. William T. and Isabel B. Carleton, and younger brother, Charles E. Carleton.

Bill graduated from Denison University in Granville, OH and attended Clark University in Worcester, MA from where he was drafted into the Army in July 1967. He was a loyal patriot who served his country as an Army Captain and decorated Vietnam War veteran (MACV, Central Highlands from 1968-1969). After Vietnam, Bill returned to Fort Holabird, Baltimore, MD as an instructor. In the early 1970’s he pursued his dreams of international travel and study with 29 years in the Foreign Service. He and his family were stationed in Morocco, Iran, Tunisia, Bangladesh and the Philippines and traveled extensively for work and pleasure. Bill worked as a consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton for eight years before retiring to New Bern, NC in 2008 to their home overlooking the water.

Bill’s many interests included photography, reading, travels abroad and boating (he was a member of the Chesapeake Yacht Club in Maryland for 24 years), and was affectionately known by his grandchildren as Captain Bill. Arrangements are being made by Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern with private interment at Greenleaf Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Carteret Health Cancer Center in Morehead City, NC.