ROBERT B. “BOB” CARLTON age 90 of Crossville, TN passed away September 22, 2022. He was born April 26, 1932, in Lenoir, NC, the son of Robert Glenn and Alma Klutz Carlton. He retired in 1994 after many years from WJHL-TV in Johnson City, TN, where he was an anchorman and reporter and later promoted to News Director. He was also a United States Air Force veteran having served our country during the Korean conflict from 1951-1955. He was a navigator on a B-29 bomber and flew many missions during his tour. He and his family are members of Central Baptist Church, where he was senior adult choir director for many years and member of the church Celebration Choir.

He is survived by his wife Jearl Deanna Carlton of Crossville, TN, sons, Mike Carlton and his wife Karen of Nashville, TN, Bobby Carlton and his wife Susan of Steamboat Springs, CO and Joey Carlton and his wife Stacey of Crossville, TN, sister Gail Greer of Blowing Rock, NC, grandchildren Chase Carlton, Taylor Carlton, Zack Carlton, Meaghan O’Leary, Kirsten Ann Carlton, Savannah Carlton, Sawyer Carlton and Christian Carlton and two great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Carlton and Bill Klutz.

Bob has been involved in the music ministry about all of his life. He has sung with many quartets and was music director at Southside Baptist Church in Johnson City, TN for over 15 years until he moved to Crossville. Bob stayed competitive in softball throughout his life which was preceded by college baseball at Appalachian State and professional baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization. He played on many national and world championship softballs teams in many different age-groups after retirement from WJHL. He was inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 2006. Bob was a committed and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose faith in Jesus Christ was evident in all aspects of his life. His sense of humor was appreciated and loved by everyone. His work ethic, selflessness, humility and character were without question.

Funeral services will be held Thursday September 29, 2022, at 5pm at Hood Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 3pm-5pm two hours prior to the service at Hood Funeral Home. Burial will be Friday September 30, 2022, at 10amEST at East TN State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, TN.