Virgil Lee Carlton, age 92, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, at Suncoast Hospice of St. Petersburg following a fall that resulted in a neck fracture. He lived a long life marked by dedication to hard work and steadfast faith.
Virgil was born on May 22, 1933, in Premiere, West Virginia, the beloved son of Thomas Roscoe Carlton and Nellie Mae Dunford. From humble beginnings, he grew into a man known for his strong work ethic, quiet wisdom, and generous heart.
For many years, Virgil worked as an automotive mechanic, a trade that suited his strong nature and skilled hands. He took pride in fixing what was broken—cars, small engines, and often anything a loved one brought his way. He was the kind of man others depended on, always willing to lend a hand or share his knowledge.
On May 13, 2007, Virgil married the love of his later years, Barbara Wilkey, at the St. Petersburg Seventh-day Adventist Church. Together, they shared eight meaningful years of marriage filled with companionship, faith, and devotion. Virgil was a member of the St. Petersburg Seventh-day Adventist Church, where his beliefs guided his life and relationships.
Virgil leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his son Ashley Carlton and daughter-in-law Melissa Carlton; his daughter Rebecca Connelly and son-in-law Patrick Connelly; his son Jonathan Jones; and his daughter Roxanne Jones. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brandon Gibbs, Brittney Gibbs, Damon Jones, Christopher Hunter, Erin Hunter North, Daniel Hunter, Brent Hunter, and Brianna Jones, along with nine treasured great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, T.R. Carlton and Nellie Carlton; his daughter Melinda Hunter; his son Brett Carlton; and his grandson Ray Carlton Jr., whom he loved dearly and now rejoins in eternal rest. His legacy lives on through the many generations he helped shape, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
