Hal L. Carnes Jr.

March 17, 2026

Hal Lochridge Carnes, Jr., 90, passed away peacefully at the Levine & Dixon Hospice House at Southminster on March 17, 2026. He was born April 24,1935 in Greenville, MS, to the late Hal Carnes and Anna Smoot Carnes, and was raised in Shelby, Mississippi. In 1946, he moved with his family to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he spent most of his life.

Hal attended Central High School. Afterwards, he put himself through college on a co-opt program, alternating six months of classes at the Georgia Institute of Technology and then 6 months in the Gulf of Mexico dropping dynamite off the stern of a small boat looking for oil. He ultimately earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree.

Hal met the love of his life, Ann Smith at Myers Park United Methodist Church. They remained happily married for 64 years. Hal would serve two terms of duty in the US Army. And in 1973, together with the late Bill Wiltsee, he started his own telecommunications company which thrived for over 40 years.

Hal was known for his charm and wonderful sense of humor, traits that made many of his clients real friends.

Hal was a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church where he served on the first video and sound committee. He worked at a local soup kitchen to feed people in the neighborhood, part of the church’s outreach program. Hal followed the Yellow Jackets’ football and basketball teams each season and he was an avid golfer and a member of Cedar Wood County Club in Charlotte.

Hal is survived by his wife, Ann Carnes; daughter Lynn Turner, her husband Richard and their son Samuel; son, Loch Carnes and his son Michael. He is preceded in death by his sister Lura Carnes Owen and her husband, Kenneth.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (FDJ) https://jdrfac.com/donation/ or to Via Health Partners, 7845 Little Ave. Charlotte, NC 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Jeff Ahearn

    I was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Carnes’ passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
    I had the privilege of working for Mr. Carnes while attending UNC Charlotte from 1993 to 1997. During those years, I learned a tremendous amount—not only from him, but from everyone at Carnes, Burkett, Wiltsee & Associates. The opportunities I was given there helped lay the foundation for my career, and I will always be grateful for his leadership, guidance, and belief in me.
    Mr. Carnes made a lasting impact on my life, and I know his legacy will continue through the many people he mentored and influenced over the years.
    Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family.

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  • Stephen Douglas

    I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Hal Carnes, Jr. Years ago I had the privilege of getting to know him and, in every way imaginable, he was as fine a person as I have ever encountered. This world will be a lesser place without his presence. To his beloved family and his many friends I extend my most sincere and heartfelt condolences.

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  • Brooke Branch

    It was such a great pleasure knowing you and working for you. Condolences to Ann, Lynn and Loch ?. He will be greatly missed.

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  • Jim Lynch

    SO SORRY HERE HE PASSED AWAY!
    Hal and were good friends and enjoyed playing golf together!
    Haven’t been in contact for a few years!!
    We really had a great time on our
    SCOTLAND GOLF TRIP WITH OUR WIVES AND BILL AND HIS WIFE !!

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