Mr. Olanda Carr, Sr., 82 of Charlotte, NC, departed this life on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Clear Creek Nursing & Rehab Center.

Olanda Carr, Sr. was born June 4, 1941, in Charlotte, NC, to the late John Fred and Lucy Carr.  After a brief illness, Olanda departed this life on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Clear Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Olanda grew up in the Greenville Community and was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System, graduating from West Charlotte High School in 1959.   Following graduation, he obtained his barber license at Bull City Barber College in Durham, NC.  Upon returning to Charlotte, he began what would be his lifelong career as a barber.

He soon met the love of his life, Delia Marionetta Kerns, while ushering at Seventh Street Presbyterian Church (now First United Presbyterian Church).  After a period of courtship, the two became one when they wed on August 13, 1966.  To this union, two children were born – Tamara Patrice and Olanda Carr, Jr.

Olanda's barbering career spanned decades.  After many years of service at Oaklawn Barbershop, Olanda made the difficult and ambitious decision to venture into business on his own.  He ultimately acquired property on Graham Street and opened "Olanda's Barbershop" in 1984.  He continued to barber at this location for nearly 40 years.

In addition to his career in barbering, Olanda enjoyed many things.  He loved music and never missed an opportunity to dance and have a good time.  His love of music inspired his extensive album collection.   Many evenings after work, he would be known to unwind by listening to the classic sounds of his era -- 60s, 70s, Motown, and more.  He also loved opportunities to gather, often flexing his culinary skills and inviting friends and loved ones over for a good old fashioned fish fry.

Olanda participated in community and civic organizations.  For many years, he was an active member in the University Park North Neighborhood Association.  On June 1, 1989, he became a member of Paul Drayton Masonic Lodge #7.  As a committed member of this lodge, he furthered his masonic studies, ultimately earning the distinction of Shriner.

Olanda will be remembered for many things – his wit, blunt nature, political acumen, and love of sports.  Always in the pursuit of knowledge, Olanda would often spend his down time watching documentaries and reading periodicals, newspapers, and journals.

Olanda was preceded in death by his wife, Delia Marionetta Kerns Carr and son-in-law, Kevin Tate.  He is survived by his children and beloved granddaughter, Aliyah Janae Tate; daughter-in-law, Monica Carr; sisters, Shirley C. Watts, Marva C. Howey-Mitchell, and Phyllis C. Searles (Tony); brothers, Wayne Carr and Tyrone Carr; uncle, Samuel Carr; sister-in-law, Elnora Kerns Bryant; nieces, nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.