During memorial services Tuesday, Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon declared Aug. 26 as David Carson Day “in sincere gratitude for his life of service to this community.”

Herndon joined Carson’s family, friends and co-workers who packed University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa to honor the life of the Alabama Power senior line specialist who died on the job Aug. 19 in a helicopter crash. Herndon said Carson’s death “leaves us all with a deep sense of loss.”

David Carson

Carson, 63, who rose through the ranks during 44 years with Alabama Power, was fondly recalled by co-workers during a 90-minute service attended by employees from across the state. His oldest sister, Pecola Ruth Collins, said Carson as a child aspired to be both Mighty Mouse and Davy Crockett. Indeed, fellow employees recalled Carson as a hero on many levels.

Transmission Project Manager Edna Weaver said Carson was a big brother or best friend to many co-workers. She said his picture should be in the dictionary as the illustration of “gentleman.” Weaver said Carson had many outstanding traits and was the epitome of a man of character.

“He was a great example for all of us,” Weaver said.

Carson was born Oct. 15, 1950 in Chattanooga, Tenn., to George W. and Alice Carson.

He was educated in the Hamilton County (Tenn.) School System. After his family moved to Tuscaloosa, he attended and graduated from Tuscaloosa High School.

Carson was employed by Alabama Power before being drafted into the military. After proudly serving his country in the Army, he returned to work for the company.

Carson is survived by his wife of 24 years, Ivy; his children, Demeare Carson, of Huntsville, Derrick Mitchell, of Hampton, Va., Vasha (Maxine) Mitchell, of Northport, and Grenetta Boyce, of Shreveport, La.; 10 grandchildren; four sisters, Pecola Collins and Wanda (Gregory) Tippins, both of Northport, Reba (Lawrence) Bolland, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Pearlena (Jerome) Harris, of Leeds; three brothers, Tommy Joe Carson, of Chattanooga, Tenn., Steve Carson, of Northport, and George (Alice B.) Carson Jr., of Tuscaloosa; six aunts; one uncle; and a host of other relatives.

He was buried in Cedar Oak Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Carson’s Western Division co-workers: Nathan Appleby, Mathew Abbott, Christopher Cannon, Richie Price, Greg Lake and Daryl Bamford. Honorary pallbearers were fellow employees Charles Pruitt and Jackie Kemp.