Lexington, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Bobby Carlton, a dedicated coach and educator with over three decades of influence in South Carolina sports, passed away at 81. Known for his commitment to youth athletics, he shaped countless young lives during his tenure at multiple high schools. Carlton’s legacy includes leadership roles at Goose Creek High School, coaching significant events, and a lasting dedication to education. He is remembered fondly by family and the community, with services planned to honor his impactful life.
Lexington, South Carolina – Bobby Carlton, a celebrated coach and educator with over three decades of service in the field, passed away at the age of 81. His extensive career in athletics and education left a profound impact on countless students and young athletes in South Carolina.
Born on May 5, 1944, to Vernon Courtney Carlton Sr. and Gladys Havird Carlton, Bobby Carlton was known for his strong sense of family, faith, and dedication to serving others. He graduated from Newberry College with a Bachelor of Science in History and Physical Education before earning a Master’s in Education from Clemson University.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bobby Carlton committed over 30 years to coaching and teaching at several high schools, including Gaffney High School, Eau Claire High School, and Goose Creek High School. Notably, he served as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Goose Creek High School for 15 years. His coaching experience extended to elite levels, having trained under legendary figures such as Frank Howard, Red Parker, and Danny Ford at Clemson University.
Bobby Carlton not only instructed young athletes but also actively contributed to youth athletics by coaching at significant events such as the Shrine Bowl and North-South High School Football games. His dedication to the sports community was also evident through his role as a referee for ACC Basketball games.
After retiring from coaching, he spent 22 years at Premier School Agendas, further shaping education in South Carolina. Bobby Carlton was not only dedicated to his profession but also enjoyed golfing, being a proud member of Ponderosa Country Club and Oaks Country Club.
He was married for 41 years to Laura Floyd Carlton, who remained his confidant and golfing partner. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, two sisters, and a son, Cody Lyn Carlton, but is survived by his wife, Laura, as well as a bonus-son, Robert Philip Rivers, a bonus-daughter, Kimberly Slaubaugh, several grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
Services honoring his memory will be held on September 17, 2025, beginning with a visitation at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, with burial taking place at Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – South Carolina Chapter or Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Bobby Carlton’s legacy as a coach and educator will continue to resonate through the lives he changed and the many athletes he inspired throughout his remarkable career.
FAQ
1. When was Bobby Carlton born?
Bobby Carlton was born on May 5, 1944.
2. What degrees did Bobby Carlton obtain?
He graduated from Newberry College with a Bachelor of Science in History and Physical Education and earned a Master’s in Education from Clemson University.
3. How long did Bobby Carlton work in coaching and teaching?
Bobby Carlton dedicated over 30 years to coaching and teaching at various high schools.
4. Where did Bobby Carlton coach?
He coached at Gaffney High School, Eau Claire High School, and Goose Creek High School.
5. What was Bobby Carlton’s role at Goose Creek High School?
He served as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Goose Creek High School for 15 years.
6. What events did he coach during his career?
Bobby Carlton actively contributed to youth athletics, coaching at the Shrine Bowl and North-South High School Football games.
7. What are the details of Bobby Carlton’s funeral service?
Visitation is scheduled for September 17, 2025, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, with burial at Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry, SC.
8. What are the memorial donation requests?
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association – South Carolina Chapter or Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Newberry College to Host Catawba College in Football Matchup
In Memory of Bobby Carlton: A Legacy of Education and Athletics
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Robert Carlton Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Lexington SC Sheriff: 11 Arrested in Online Sting Operation
- Google Search: Lexington South Carolina crime
- Legacy: Bobby Stephens Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- The State: Local News
- Google News: South Carolina local news
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