Robert Carlton Candler

Robert Carlton Candler of Roanoke, VA passed away August 11, 2025. He was born July 23, 1932 to the late Lois M. Littrell and Carlton F. Candler. He is proceeded in death by his wife Virginia E. Wilson Candler(Bettye) and his brother James K. Candler. He is survived by his daughter Lisa Candler Smith (Albert Smith), his granddaughter Jade Sanders, his son Jay Harrison, and granddaughters Jennica, Jasmin, and Jade Harrison.

Carlton lived a very fulfilling 93 years. He met his wife Bettye at the Lakeside Amusement park where he worked. After many a free ride he walked her home and they were together ever since. Their home set just a block away from the house Carlton was born in, keeping close the thing most important to him, family. Carlton and Bettye’s favorite place was Myrtle Beach and they spent a week there every single year during their 71 years of marriage. Carlton worked at General Electric for 35 years before retiring in 1991. Carlton was a Korean War veteran, serving in the National Guard. In his years following retirement Carlton spent his time raising his granddaughter. In his free time Carlton loved to ride his bicycle, even riding his age in miles every year all the way up until his 83rd birthday. Prior to his years of cycling, Carlton was an avid runner and he ran in many marathons, he was a very active man. Carlton had a saying in life “if it’s free it’s for me”, but I think it’s because he knew the best things in life always come free. He will be greatly missed.

A wake will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on September 4th at 1pm followed by a graveside service at 2pm at Sherwood Cemetery.