Carbon, a native of Newton, Kansas, served as 21st Century Partnership director during the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process, helping to organize and orchestrate Middle Georgia support for Robins and build military value of the area and base. The retired Air Force colonel died Thursday. The partnership is a Middle Georgia association of civic, professional and political leaders focused on supporting Robins and building base workload and missions.
Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Ron Smith said he brought Carbon to Robins during his tenure as Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander in the late 1990s. Smith later teamed with Carbon on the 21st Century Partnership.
“Ron was a personal friend of mine and a professional friend as well,” Smith said Thursday. “I brought him to Robins during his Air Force days and I’m glad I did.”
Carbon’s work with the partnership was exceptional, Smith noted.
“He did a remarkable job coordinating with local chambers and the base military affairs committee,” the general said. “He loved his country. He loved his family. He loved this community. He was a remarkable guy. You never know why things like this happen, but he left us way too early. His legacy will last a long time.”
Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard, also a former Warner Robins ALC commander, said Carbon was a friend and ally in so many areas.
“We’re going to miss him tremendously,” Goddard said. “His contributions to the partnership are unbelievable, particularly at a time when his presence was vital. Judy and I are going to miss him and I know the community is going to miss his great strength and compassion for the work we do here at Robins.”
Local businessman Brad Fink, currently the partnership chairman, said he first met Carbon through the base’s military affairs committee and continued the relationship during their mutual service with the partnership.
“He was a special individual – not only his service to our country but also retiring here and doing so many things in the community,” Fink said. “He was a real inspiration to me, seeing not only his commitment to Robins but also to the community. I’m deeply saddened by his loss.”
Carbon is survived by his wife of 30 years, Donna; his children: Jay of Denver, Col.; April of Warner Robins; Bryan of Woodstock; his parents: Bernard and Barbara Carbon of Wichita, Kan.; siblings: Bernie Carbon of Warner Robins; Don Carbon of Wichita, Kan.; Keith Carbon of West Fort Ann, N.Y.; and grandchildren: Hailey, Kaden and Talen.
A Scripture Service will be held Sunday at 6 p.m. with visitation following at 8 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home in Warner Robins. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Macon. Interment will be private.
The family has asked that contributions be made to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, in lieu of flowers.
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