Theo K. "Buck" Carson

Theo K. "Buck" Carson, 81 of Eustis, Fla. died July 17, 2011. Born in Little Rock, Ark., the son of Theo P. and Jewel Carson, Buck graduated from Little Rock High School where he was named All State and All Southern in both football and basketball. He was a graduate of The United States Naval Academy. He was a member of the Naval Academy football team and was featured in LIFE Magazine as one of the Academy's outstanding players. Buck was a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably during the Korean War. He was an organizing Director of the Lake County Bank of Leesburg, Florida and a member of the Board of Directors of Jackson Cookie Company of North Little Rock, Arkansas. Buck was a citrus grower in Lake County, Florida for 50 years, being in business with his father-in-law, J.C. Jackson of Maitland, Florida and founder of Jackson Cookie Company. He was on the Board of Directors of Lake Region Packing Association. Buck was an accomplished golfer and former member of Silver Lake Golf and Country Club and Pine Meadows Country Club. He had an extraordinary fondness for charities devoted to distressed animals of all kinds and was a regular and generous contributor. Buck is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diane J. Carson, three sons, Steve Carson of New York City and now Eustis, Florida, Sam Carson (and wife Jan) of Memphis, Tennessee, and Joe Carson (and wife Sue) of Tavares, Florida, his sister, Patty Hickman (and husband John)of Little Rock, Arkansas, three grandchildren, Elizabeth Carson, Steed Carson, and Anne Marie Carson, one great-grandchild, Christian, and Buck's beloved dog Arlo. A service in celebration of Buck's life will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 317 South Mary Street, Eustis, Florida. on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Pine Forest Cemetery, Mount Dora. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Buck's name to the Humane Society of Lake County, Florida, 11 North Eustis Street, Eustis, Florida, 32726. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com. Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.