Dr. Carrol Jay Warren Fisher

Dr. Carrol Jay Warren Fisher, 93, passed away on November 9, 2016. Born in Salisbury, NC on June 15, 1923 to Ella Lou Myrtle Seamone Fisher and Claude Jeremiah Whitehead Fisher, he was the third of five children. Carrol graduated from Boyden High School in 1940, and went on to be commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Naval Air Force in 1944. He was subsequently assigned to the newly-built U.S.S. Roosevelt. After serving as the ceremonial five-thousandth successful landing on that carrier, Carrol continued his service for 20 years as a reserve officer based out of Norfolk attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the war, Dr. Fisher returned home to attend UNC Chapel Hill, where he captained the wrestling team and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Graduating in 1950, his love of education and his formidable intellect were evident in his graduation as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. In his post-graduation work as a reserve pilot chasing submarines, he was drawn to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he met his future wife, Sonia. They carried on a romance in between his flights to the island, and on an October morning in 1957, Carrol married the love of his life in Guantanamo Oriente, Cuba. Sonia would go on to be the rock and foundation of Carrol’s life during their 48 year marriage. Returning to Salisbury in 1957, he founded Fisher Engineering and Plumbing Supply, which was followed by Fisher Realty in 1966. Among his many awards, he was honored in 1974 as the Employer of the Year by the American Legion for employing older veterans and handicapped workers. He was a founding charter officer of the Salisbury Rowan Home Builders Association, and his active membership in the National Association of Home Builders led to a Lifetime Achievement Award. Carrol was president of the Military Officers Association in Salisbury. After his retirement, Carrol continued his quest for knowledge. At age 66, he accomplished his dream of attending Oxford University, where he enrolled for two years to pursue a doctorate in theology. He completed his degree at Union Institute. Love for religion and theology manifested in many ways in his life. Serving at Sacred Heart Catholic Church as the Liturgical Commission Chair for 9 years, Carrol was instrumental in many roles at his home parish. He was endlessly interested in all religions, and his commitment to interfaith dialogue led to his recognition for outstanding service to the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Carrol lived every day of his life to the fullest, and his memory lives on in the stories his children and 12 grandchildren continue to tell of his many escapades. He traveled the world and had adventures in many of its corners, and his legacy paints a portrait of a life well-lived. He will be greatly missed. In addition to his parents, Dr. Fisher was preceded in death by his wife, Sonia Trutie Fisher; his brothers, Don and Steven; and his sister, Jerry. He is survived by his sister, Helen; his son, Luke Fisher and wife, Diane, their children Ben, Liza, and Tom of Salisbury, NC; son, Mark Fisher and wife, Maria, their children, Caroline, Will, and Grace of Vienna, VA; son, Danny Fisher and wife, Nan, their children, Lizzie, George, and James of Salisbury, NC; and his daughter, Mimi Fisher Kane and husband, Jeff, their children Mia, Jay, and Camille of Charlotte. A mass to celebrate the life of Carrol Fisher will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 14 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officiated by the Rev. Mark Lawlor. Interment will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. A celebration of Carrol’s life will be held at Salisbury Country Club after internment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Lane Hospice House or the North Carolina State Veterans Home, 1601 Brenner Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Fisher family. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Dr. Carrol Jay Warren Fisher

June 15, 1923 - November 9, 2016